Effect of <i>Matricaria chamomilla</i> flower extract on ethanol-induced hippocampal oxidative stress and behavioral disorder of anxiety and memory based on test-retest paradigm

The hippocampal formation has a significant influence on the acquisition of spatial memory. Ethanol disrupts hippocampal-dependent learning and memory tasks. This study examined the effects of the ethanolic extract of <i>Matricaria chamomilla</i> flower on ethanol-induced memory impairment, anxiety, and hippocampal enzymes. Rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: a control group, a 0.4 cc ethanol group, and extract groups at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, both alone and with ethanol. All groups received ethanol by gavage; extract was injected intraperitoneally for 22 days. Anxiety was assessed by the Elevated Plus Maze test on day 21 and a memory recall test 24 h later. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured in blood serum, hippocampus, and cortex. Ethanol gavage reduced the percentage of open arms. Doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg plus ethanol significantly increased OAT% and improved memory (<i>P</i> < 0.01and <i>P</i> < 0.001). Injection of the extracts increased CAT and SOD activity compared to the ethanol group (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Injection of 200 mg/kg plus ethanol extract showed a significant decrease in AChE activity. These findings suggest <i>M. chamomilla</i> extract has protective effects on ethanol-induced spatial memory impairment and reduces anxiety.