Various synthetic derivatives of natural flavonoids are known to have neuroactive properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of rutin (3, 3', 4', 5, 7-pentahydroxyflavone-3-rhamnoglucoside), a flavonoid that is an important dietary constituent of foods and plant-based beverages, on memory retrieval in rats. To this end, we assessed the effect of rutin on memory retrieval using a step-through passive avoidance task. Rutin (5, 10, and 100mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) one week before the start of training. Three retention tests were performed to assess memory in rats. Rutin (10mg/kg) significantly increased the step-through latency of the passive avoidance response compared to the control in the three retention tests of the passive avoidance paradigm. These results indicate that rutin has a potential role in enhancing memory retrieval. Several mechanisms may contribute to the potential role of rutin in memory enhancement. This result supports the potential beneficial effects of rutin as a dietary supplement on memory retrieval in a passive avoidance task.
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