Anethum Graveolens Linn (Umbelliferae) Extract Attenuates Stress-induced Urinary Biochemical Changes and Improves Cognition in Scopolamine- induced Amnesic Rats

Purpose: Anethum graveolens Linn. (Umbelliferae, A. graveolens) is a widely used spice with a long history of traditional medicinal use for the treatment of various ailments. The present study examines the anti-stress and cognition-improving effects of A. graveolens extract in a rat model. Methods: Urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and ascorbic acid were estimated as biomarkers for evaluating antistress activity in rats. Conditioned avoidance response using Cook’s pole climbing apparatus in normal and scopolamine-induced amnestic rats was used to assess cognitive-improving activities. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Results: Daily administration of A. graveolens at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight 1 h prior to induction of stress inhibited stress-induced urinary biochemical changes in a dose-dependent manner without altering the levels in normal control groups. Changes in cognition (as determined by the acquisition), retention and recovery in rats were dose-dependent. The extract also produced significant lipid peroxidation inhibition in both rat liver and brain, compared to a reference standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of A. graveolens exhibited significant anti-stress, antioxidant and memory enhancing activities. The study provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of the plant as a culinary spice in foods.