The Combined Effect of Tribulus terrestris Hydroalcoholic Extract and Swimming Exercise on Memory and Oxidative Stress in Old Male Rats.

Background and objective: This study aims to assess the effect of swim exercise along with consumption of bindii hydroalcoholic extract on memory and the oxidative stress markers in old male rats.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 32 old (400-500 g) and eight young male Wistar rats. The groups included young, old, old bindii (200 mg/kg), old exercise, and old bindii exercise (concurrent swimming training). All interventions were performed within 14 days. The animals' spatial memory was evaluated by the Y maze, radial maze, and shuttle box, Oxidative stress factors were also measured.

Results: Compared to the old control group, the bindii extract along with swimming exercise significantly increased the periodic behavior percentage in the Y maze and the delay time in entry into the dark chamber in the shuttle box but no significant difference was seen in the reference memory error in the radial maze. Also, a significant increase in the amount of catalase (CAT) and antioxidant capacity (TAC) and a significant decrease in the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in all treatment groups.

Conclusion: These results show that exercise, along with the bindii extract consumption, can improve spatial and avoidance memory in old rats probably through the reduction of oxidative stress effects.