Effect of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) leaf aqueous and ethanol extracts on avoidance learning during stressful endurance performance of rats: a dose dependent study

Aqueous and 70% ethanol extracts of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae) dry leaves were examined in rats for their dose dependent effect on active avoidance learning, if any. Avoidance learning was studied during endurance performance in multiple stressful environments consisting of light, noise and electric shock (10 mV) by using Runimex, a circular runway animal model. Neither of the evaluated extracts showed activity in rats to enhance cognitive functions with reference to avoidance learning during exposure to stressful conditions of multiple stressors. But both extracts were found to possess physical performance enhancing activity during the studied stressful conditions.