Abstract
Background and aims: Cerebral ischemia causes tissue oxidative damage and leads to cell death. The use of antioxidants is one of the things that can be used to reduce the adverse effects of ischemia in the brain. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of Beta vulgaris hydroalcoholic extract on learning and memory caused by transient cerebral ischemia. Methods: After preparing the herbal extract, the rats were divided into 6 groups: control, sham, ischemia and 3 ischemic groups that received the extract. Ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 30 minutes. The control, sham and ischemia groups received normal saline for two weeks. Three treatment groups received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg Beta vulgaris extract. After conducting behavioral tests, the antioxidant capacity and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the rat's serum and brain were measured. Results: The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of Beta vulgaris leaves increases the antioxidant capacity of serum and brain. It also reduces the amount of MDA in serum and brain. Beta vulgaris extract enhances learning and improves motor balance. Conclusion: This study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of beet leaves has a strong protective effect on brain damage caused by cerebral ischemia. Maybe this effect is caused by the antioxidant property of this extract.