Effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract on motor coordination impairment induced by scopolamine in rats

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of chamomile on balance and motor learning in rats receiving scopolamine and intact rats.Methods: Fourty-two rats were divided into 6 groups(n = 7). Control group received distilled water. Rats in Group 2 were given 1 mg/kg scopolamine. Groups 3 and 4received chamomile extract 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively, and scopolamine simultaneously for 20 days. Intact groups(Groups 5 and 6) only received chamomile extract 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Motor coordination of rats was assessed with rotarod apparatus.Results: According to the obtained results, compared with the control group, scopolamine significantly decreased time spent on rotarod performance(P < 0.001). Compared with scopolamine group, the strength and staying on rotarod apparatus in Group 3significantly increased(P < 0.05). The results of this research showed that intact groups that received only chamomile extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly increased time spent on rotarod, compared with scopolamine group(P < 0.001).Conclusions: The results of this study indicated the high antioxidant property and protective effect of chamomile extract on motor coordination in the groups that received scopolamine.