Abstract Current study was carried out to compare the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary and alprazolam on learning under stress in mice. Sixty female mature mice from 25-30g weight range were divided into six groups: control, placebo, alprazolam and 50, 100, and 200mg/kg doses of extract that were injected intraperitoneal. To experience the stress, 30 minutes after injection mice were placed in dark boxes for 50 minutes. After that, each mouse was placed in a T-shaped maze and its behavior was recorded. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results showed that the extract in various doses reduced the time of reaching to target box in T-shaped maze, which indicates stress reduction. In addition, the number of errors in reaching target was not significantly different in extract groups and placebo group (stress). Overall, effective compounds of rosemary extract are able to increase learning by reducing stress.
Keywords rosemary, learning, stress, alprazolam, T-shaped maze, laboratory mice.