Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of sacha inchi oil on improving memory in mice. Methods: Totally 72 SPF male KM mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, sacha inchi oil low- medium-, high-dose groups (375.1, 750.2 and 1 500.0 mg/(kg·d)) and deep-sea fish oil group (1 500.0 mg/(kg·d)) . The animals were intragastrically administered for 30 days. After the experimental period, step-through test, step-down test and Morris water maze test were carried out. Results: In the medium- and high-dose groups, sacha inchi oil could prolong the latency time and reduce the number of errors in step-through test and step-down test (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on the latency time or the percentage of swimming distance in Morris water maze. Conclusion: Sacha inchi oil may play an important role in memory improvement in mice at a dose from 375.1 to 1 500.0 mg/(kg·d).

Key words: sacha inchi oil, memory improvement, step-through test, step-down test, Morris water maze