Dose-response effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Black maca (BM) shows promise for enhancing learning and memory in animal models.
• Ethanol (EtOH) consumption can impair cognitive functions, particularly memory.
• Polyphenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dose-response effects of hydroalcoholic black maca extract on ethanol-induced memory impairment in mice.
• To evaluate the impact of black maca on locomotor activity and spatial memory.

Main Methods:

• Mice were administered ethanol (20%) and varying doses of black maca extract (0.125–1.00 g/kg) or ascorbic acid for 28 days.
• Locomotor activity was assessed using the Open Field Test.
• Spatial memory was evaluated using the Water Morris Maze test.
• Total polyphenol content in the black maca extract was quantified.

Main Results:

• Ethanol-treated mice exhibited significant memory deficits compared to controls.
• Black maca extract, at all tested doses, reversed the memory impairment caused by ethanol.
• Ascorbic acid also demonstrated a protective effect against ethanol-induced memory deficits.
• Black maca extract improved performance in both escape acquisition and probe trials of the Water Morris Maze.
• The cognitive-enhancing effects of black maca were found to be dose-dependent.
• The hydroalcoholic extract of black maca contained 0.65 g pyrogallol/100 g of total polyphenols.

Conclusions:

• Hydroalcoholic extract of black maca effectively ameliorates experimental memory impairment induced by ethanol in a dose-dependent manner.
• The neuroprotective effects of black maca are, at least partially, attributable to its rich polyphenol content.
• Black maca presents a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing ethanol-induced cognitive deficits.