The Effects of Geraniol and Exercise on Memory and Learning in Male NMRI Alzheimer’s Rats

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most important neurodegenerative diseases occurring after the production of free radicals and inflammatory factors. Geraniol, which is a natural monoterpene, contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Geraniol and exercise on memory and learning, SOD activity and MDA serum level, neurogenesis and amyloid plaque count in Alzheimer’s Wistar rats. To create the Alzheimer's disease model, Aβ 1-42 was injected bilaterally into the hippocampus of male rats. Grouping included control (-), control (+), exercise, Alzheimer, Alzheimer + exercise, Alzheimer + Geraniol, and Alzheimer + Geraniol + exercise. The results showed that SOD activity and MDA serum level were significantly increased in the Alzheimer + Geraniol, Alzheimer + exercise, and Alzheimer + Geraniol + exercise groups compared to other groups (P<0.001). In addition, shuttle box behavioral test demonstrated that the entry time to the dark box was notably increased in Alzheimer + Geraniol and Alzheimer + Geraniol + exercise groups compared to Alzheimer and Alzheimer + exercise groups (P<0.001). Moreover, neurogenesis was remarkably increased in Alzheimer + Geraniol and Alzheimer + Geraniol + exercise groups compared to Alzheimer and Alzheimer + exercise groups (P<0.001). Besides, the number of amyloid plaques was decreased Alzheimer + Geraniol and Alzheimer + Geraniol + exercise groups compared to other groups (P<0.001). Based on the results of this study, it seems that this compound along with exercise is notably capable of improving complications in memory, SOD activity, MDA serum level, and neurogenesis as well as amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.