Afghan Chehelghoza (Pinus gerardiana L.) Pine Nut Diet Enhances the Learning and Memory in Male Rats

Purpose: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the effect of Afghan Chehelghoza as a constituent of diet on behavioral parameters, especially learning and memory of male rats. Methods: Rats were divided into six groups: control group, diazepam group as the positive control, and 2, 6, 12 and 25% chehelghoza-treated groups, which received chehelghoza combined with their food for 28 days. After treatment, the rat's behavior was evaluated by Y-maze, elevated plus maze, Morris water maze and radial arm maze. In addition, their brain was extracted and weighed. The body weight of rats was also measured during the study. Results: The results showed that the time spent in target quadrant and brain weight were increased in 12 and 25% chehelghoza-treated groups significantly (P<0.05). Also, the difference between the percentage of spontaneous alternation and the number of crossing, percentage of time spent in and the number of entries into open arms of only 25% chehelghoza-treated and the control groups was significant. Besides, on day 28, the body weight of all chehelghoza-treated groups was diminished as compared with the control group. Conclusion: We can conclude that chehelghoza combination with food in high doses can improve the spatial working memory and reference memory, increase the brain weight, as well as reduction in anxiety behavior.