Arthrophytum scoparium (Pomel) Iljin (Amaranthaceae family) has been widely used in traditional Tunisian medicine to treat many disorders such as migraine, headache and neurological disorders. This study investigates the effect of Arthrophytum scoparium aqueous extract (ASAE) on memory and learning caused by galactose (10%) injection in mice.The ASAE extract (300 mg/ kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally daily to scoparium group (n= 7/ group) at a final volume 250 µL, while mice in the control group received 250 µL of saline for 7 days. Cognitive function has been evaluated by Y-maze active test after two training trial, acquisition and retention test. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in whole brain homogenates was assessed by Ellman's colorimetric method.The ASAE had high total phenolic contents (32 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract) and flavonoids (1.81 mg catechin equivalents/g dried extract). It exhibited a significantly hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity (IC 50 = 13.9 μg/mL. The concentration of extract required to produce 50 % enzyme inhibition (IC50 value) was 2.913 mg/mL. Chronic galactose injection significantly impaired cognitive performance in Y maze, caused marked oxidative damage and significantly increased the AChE activity as compared to other groups. ASAE (300 mg/kg) treatment significantly ameliorated cognitive performance, reversed the oxidative damage and caused significant decline in acetylcholinesterase activity as compared to galactose group.The ASAE potentiated memory retention in adult male mice and confirming their use in traditional.
