Effect of Achillea millefolium aqueous extract on memory deficit and anxiety caused by stroke in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Introduction: Some studies indicated that the decrease of estrogen level in menopausal woman results in increasing the risk of stroke. Although estrogen is a neuroprotective factor, high consumption of this compound may develop breast cancer and endometriosis. The present study investigated the effect of Achilles millefolium extract, containing estrogenlike compounds, on memory impairment and anxiogenic-like behaviors caused by cerebral ischemia in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Permanent middle cerebral artery ligation was performed, as a model for studying postmenopausal condition, in 48 female Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. The aqueous extract of A. millefolium was prepared and gavaged for 4 weeks after inducing cerebral ischemia. Memory and anxiety-like behavior assessments were evaluated by step-through and elevated plus maze apparatus, respectively. Result: According to the results, cerebral ischemia in ovariectomized rats induced amnesia and anxiogenic-like behaviors which were restored by 7 mg/kg of A. millefolium aqueous extract. Furthermore, inactivation of estrogen receptors (ERs) by tamoxifen (100 µg/kg, intraperitoneally) blocked the restoration effect of A. millefolium on behaviors induced by cerebral ischemia. Conclusion: It could be concluded that, oral administration of A. millefolium extract is able to restore memory impairment and anxiogenic-like behaviors induced by ischemia via ERs in ovariectomized rat.

Herb and Flowers of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium L.: Structure and Histochemistry of Secretory Tissues and Phytochemistry of Essential Oils

“…In folk and modern medicine, alcoholic and aqueous extracts from herb and flowers as well as A. millefolium EO are used for the treatment of skin disorders in renal injury [31] and memory disorders [32], for a reduction of the intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding [33], and in many other diseases [21,[34][35][36]. Previous studies have shown that yarrow is generally safe and well tolerated by the human organism [37]; however, when used in excess, it may cause headaches and/or stupor [38] and trigger allergic contact dermatitis [39].…”

Analgesic Medicinal Plants in Shahrekord, Southwest of Iran: An Ethnobotanical Study

“…Over the past decade, interest in various types of complementary medicine and herbal medicine has been increasing around the world [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive ingredients that are used to treat various diseases [20][21][22][23][24], including mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, depression, and various types of pains like headache, migraine, and toothache [23][24][25]. One of the controversial issues regarding medicinal plants is local knowledge.…”

Analgesic Medicinal Plants in Shahrekord, Southwest of Iran: An Ethnobotanical Study

“…Over the past decade, interest in various types of complementary medicine and herbal medicine has been increasing around the world [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive ingredients that are used to treat various diseases [20][21][22][23][24], including mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, depression, and various types of pains like headache, migraine, and toothache [23][24][25]. One of the controversial issues regarding medicinal plants is local knowledge.…”