The effects of rutin on a passive avoidance test in rats.

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. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.