Protective effect of Vitex agnus‑castus on memory deficits induced by repeated exposure toluene in mice

Toluene is an organic solvent widely used in many industrial processes. long-term toluene abuse has been associated with cognitive impairment, memory deficits, difficulty to concentrate and decreased IQ. toluene induces an oxidative imbalance in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.Vitex agnus‑castus is a source of phytoestrogens, flavonoids and apigenins. Phytoestrogens from V. agnus-castus affected on anxiety behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of V. agnus-castus on Toluene-induced behavior disorders in mice.Method & material: In this experimental study, ۵۰ mice were collected and divided into ۵ groups: control, sham, extract, toluene, and toluene with the extract. Then we injected toluene and the extract intraperitoneally to the mice for ۱۴ days. At the end, the mice were tested for Novel object test.Result: The Discrimination index of toluene group had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p<۰.۰۱) and the Discrimination index in toluene with extract group had a significant increase compared to the toluene group (p<۰.۰۰۱).Discussion: Regular treatment with Vitex agnus‑castus for two weeks remarkably improved memory defects. Therefore, can be expressed that V. agnus-castus neuroprotective action for treatment can be useful in medicine.