The Effect of Hydromethanolic Extracts of Mangifera Indica Stem Bark and Leaf on Learning and Memory in Electroconvulsive Therapy-Induced Seizures in Male Wistar Rats

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), while clinically effective for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders, has well-documented cognitive side effects, particularly impairments in learning and memory. The search for neuroprotective adjuvants from natural sources has gained interest. This study investigated the effects of hydromethanolic extracts of Mangifera indica stem bark (MSBE) and leaf (MLE) on learning and memory in male Wistar rats subjected to ECT-induced seizures. Cognitive performance was assessed using the navigational maze test and passive avoidance paradigm across four weeks. ECT-only rats showed significantly prolonged escape latencies in the maze (Week 3: 257.40 ± 9.27 s vs. Control 47.56 ± 2.27 s, p < 0.05) and reduced step-through latency in passive avoidance (Week 2: 0.20 ± 0.45 s vs. Control 3.60 ± 0.55 s, p < 0.05), indicating memory deficits. Treatment with MSBE (600 mg/kg) and MLE (600 mg/kg) markedly improved cognitive indices, reducing escape latency (Week 4: 77.20 ± 2.28 s and 68.37 ± 2.17 s, respectively) and increasing retention latency (Week 4: 2.80 ± 0.45 s and 3.00 ± 0.31 s, respectively) compared to ECT-only. These findings suggest that M. indica extracts mitigate ECT-induced cognitive impairments, likely through antioxidant and neuromodulatory effects.