(-)Epigallocatechin-3-gallate decreases the stress-induced impairment of learning and memory in rats

Hung Sheng Soung, Mao Hsien Wang, Hsiang Chien Tseng, Hsu Wei Fang, Kuo Chi Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Stress induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causes alterations in brain cytoarchitecture and cognition. Green tea has potent antioxidative properties especially the tea catechin (-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). These powerful antioxidative properties are able to protect against various oxidative damages. In this study we investigated the impact of stress on rats' locomotor activity, learning and memory. Many tea catechins, including EGCG, were examined for their possible therapeutic effects in treating stress-induced impairment. Our results indicated that locomotor activity was decreased, and the learning and memory were impaired in stressed rats (SRs). EGCG treatment was able to prevent the decreased locomotor activity as well as improve the learning and memory in SRs. EGCG treatment was also able to reduce the increased oxidative status in SRs' hippocampi. The above results suggest a therapeutic effect of EGCG in treating stress-induced impairment of learning and memory, most likely by means of its powerful antioxidative properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-32
Number of pages6
JournalNeuroscience Letters
Volume602
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 8 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • (-) Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
  • Learning and memory
  • Morris water maze and stress
  • Open field test

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

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