Effect of Kudzu Root on Memory and Learning Disorders in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Recent research has shown that diabetes leads to movement disorders and cognitive impairment in learning. Kudzu root is an isoflavone and saponin which has often been used as an antihyperglycemic agent. Kudzu has the ability to decrease a glucose level which is insulin independent and similar to the metformin. Also it can reduce oxidative stress by scavenging of free radicals. The present study has been conducted to evaluate of the effect of Kudzu root on learning¸ spatial cognition and mobility in diabetic rats.
In this experimental study¸24 male Wistar rats were divided into following groups: control¸ diabetic and Kudzu- treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (dose 50mg/kg). One week after STZ injection¸ Kudzu was gavaged at the dose of 50 mg/kg for six weeks. Behavioral tests including spatial recognition¸ object recognition and the grip traction motor tests were performed.
In spatial recognition test¸ the number of locomotion and learning arms of the Y maze in the Kudzu root-treated group increased significantly in comparison with diabetic group. In objects recognition test¸ the number of recognition novel object in Kudzu root-treated diabetic group was significantly more than diabetic group.
Kudzu root treatment for diabetic rats within 6 weeks can improve movement disorders and cognitive dysfunction in memory and learning.