Abstract:

Acquired dysmnesia and memory disorder models caused by scopolamine and alcohol, respectively, were used to compare the effects of Dioscorea opposita and piracetam on learning and memory function in mice by maze and step-down methods. Results indicated that aqueous extract of Dioscorea opposita could obviously improve learning and memory ability in mice. Compared with model group, groups treated with the extract at doses of 20 g /kg and 30 g/kg or piracetam exhibited fewer error times, longer latent period and shorter total time of electronic shock (0.01 ＜ P ＜ 0.05). While no significant difference between Dioscorea opposite-treated and piracetam-treated groups was observed (P ＞ 0.05). Therefore, Dioscorea opposita can obviously improve the ability of learning and memory in mice. However, further investigations on the related mechanisms are needed.

Key words: Dioscorea opposita, piracetam, acquired dysmnesia, memory disorder