Palm Dates Protect Memory Formation in Diabetes Mellitus: Neutralization of Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with spatial memory impairment that is attributed to the oxidative imbalance in the brain. Palm dates were reported to have neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. This investigation examined palm date consumption for its impact on the decline in cognitive function and oxidative imbalance associated with DM using the streptozotocin (STZ) rat model. Methods: The palm dates extract was administered to rats orally (3.2 g per kg of body weight) for eight weeks. Memory assessment was performed using the Radial Arm Water Maze (RAWM). Hippocampal biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: STZ-treated animals revealed significant spatial memory impairment (short-and long-term) (P<0.05). Date consumption for eight weeks prevented the decline in spatial memory induced by STZ (P<0.05). STZ administration induced oxidation imbalance in the hippocampus as marked by the significant reduction in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and GSH/GSSG ratio as well as raised levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (P<0.05). Date consumption for eight weeks prevented oxidative imbalance induced by STZ in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study has verified the beneficial effect of palm dates on cognitive impairment and oxidative imbalance associated with DM.