Targeting oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase, proinflammatory cytokine, dopamine and GABA by eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) to alleviate ketamine-induced psychosis in rats.

Essential oil of eucalyptus species is among the most common traded essential oils in the world. There is an increasing interest in the application of eucalyptus oil as a natural additive in food and pharmaceutical industry. The present study was undertaken to identify the phytoconstituents present in the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus leaves (EO) and ascertain their protective effect against ketamine-induced psychosis in rats. GC-MS technique was used for analysis of phytoconstituents present in EO. Ketamine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce psychosis in rats. Photoactometer, forced swim test and pole climb avoidance test were used to evaluate the protective effects of the EO (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, p.o.) on acute and chronic administration. Bar test was used to test the side effect of EO. Biochemical and neurochemical estimations were carried out to explore the possible mechanism of action. GC-MS analysis of EO showed the presence of a number of biologically active compounds. EO at the dose of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, p.o. on acute and chronic administration, decreased locomotor activity, immobility duration and latency to climb the pole. EO was effective to facilitate the release of GABA, increase GSH levels, inhibit dopamine neurotransmission and decrease TNF-α levels as well as diminish AChE activity in different regions of the brain. EO at the dose of 500, 1000 mg/kg did not produce cataleptic behavior in rats. EO at the dose of 500, 1000 mg/kg produced protective effects against ketamine-induced psychosis and can be further explored clinically against neuropsychiatric disorders.

Protective effects of Spinacia oleracea seeds extract in an experimental model of schizophrenia: Possible behavior, biochemical, neurochemical and cellular alterations.

Schizophrenia is one of the psychotic mental disorders characterized by symptoms of thought, behavior, and social problems. Newer biomedicine and pharmacotherapy has been investigated for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders in the past few decades. Spinacia oleracea is one of these, reported to have beneficial effect against several neurodegenerative disorders. The present study was carried to explore the protective effects of Spinacia oleracea seed extract (SOEE) in an experimental model of ketamine-induced schizophrenia in mice. Ketamine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce stereotyped psychotic behavioural symptoms in mice. Behavioral studies (locomotor activity, stereotype behaviors, immobility duration and memory retention) were carried out to investigate the protective of SOEE on ketamine-induced psychotic symptoms, followed by biochemical, neurochemical and cellular alterations in the brain. Treatment with SOEE for 15 consecutive days significantly attenuated stereotyped behavioral symptoms in mice. Biochemical estimations revealed that SOEE reduced lipid peroxidation and restored total brain proteins. Furthermore, SOEE remarkably reduced dopamine levels, AChE activity & inflammatory surge (serum TNF-α) and increased the levels of GABA and reduced glutathione in mice. The outcomes of the study suggested that SOEE could ameliorate ketamine-induced psychotic symptoms in mice, indicating a protective effect in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Trachyspermum ammi Seeds Supplementation Helps Reverse Scopolamine, Alprazolam and Electroshock Induced Amnesia.

The present study was designed to explore the beneficial effects of successive 10 days administration of Trachyspermum ammi seed's powder (TASP) along with diet (at the dose of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% w/w) on learning and memory of mice. A total of 306 mice divided in 51 equal groups were employed in the study. Passive avoidance paradigm (PAP) and Object recognition Task (ORT) were employed as exteroceptive models. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), serum cholesterol, brain monoaldehyde (MDA), brain reduced glutathione (GSH) and brain nitrite were estimated and Alprazolam, Scopolamine and Electroshock induced amnesia was employed to describe the actions. Treatment of TASP significantly increased step down latency of PAA and significantly increased discrimination index of ORT in groups with or without amnesia when compared to respective control groups. Furthermore, TASP administration resulted in significant fall in brain AChE activity, brain MDA level and brain nitrite level with simultaneous rise in brain GSH level, thereby decreased oxidative damage. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol was also observed. Ajowan supplementation may prove a remedy for the management of cognitive disorders owing to have pro-cholinergic, antioxidant and hypo-lipidemic activities.

Protective effects of total alkaloidal extract from Murraya koenigii leaves on experimentally induced dementia.

Dementia is a syndrome of gradual onset and continuous decline of higher cognitive functioning. It is a common disorder in older persons and has become more prevalent today. The fresh leaves of Murraya koenigii are often added to various dishes in Asian countries due to the delicious taste and flavor that they impart. These leaves have also been proven to have health benefits. In the present study, the effect of total alkaloidal extract from M. koenigii leaves (MKA) on cognitive functions and brain cholinesterase activity in mice were determined. In vitro ß-secretase 1 (BACE1) inhibitory activity was also evaluated. The total alkaloidal extract was administered orally in three doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) for 15 days to different groups of young and aged mice. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance apparatus served as the exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam-, scopolamine-, and ageing-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. MKA (20 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant improvement in memory scores of young and aged mice. Furthermore, the same doses of MKA reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Interestingly, the brain cholinesterase activity was also reduced significantly by total alkaloidal extract of M. koenigii leaves. The IC50 value of MKA against BACE1 was 1.7 µg/mL. In conclusion, this study indicates MKA to be a useful remedy in the management of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Antiamnesic activity of an ayurvedic formulation chyawanprash in mice.

Chyawanprash (Chy) is an ayurvedic formulation commonly consumed in Indian households. Chy is a comprehensive herbal tonic, prepared from around 50 herbs employing anwala (Emblica officinalis) as the basic ingredient. The present study was undertaken to explore the beneficial effects of Chy (at the dose of 1 and 2% w/w of diet) administered daily for 15 successive days in mice with memory deficits. A total of 228 mice divided in 38 groups were employed in this study. Morris water maze, Hebb-Williams maze and elevated plus maze served as exteroceptive memory models, whereas scopolamine (Sco)-induced amnesia and alprazolam (Alp)-induced amnesia served as interoceptive memory models. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity, brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione levels (GSH) were also estimated. The administration of Chy for 15 consecutive days significantly protected the animals from developing memory impairment. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in brain TBARS and increase in GSH levels after administration of Chy (2% w/w), thereby indicating decreased free radical generation and increased scavenging of free radical, respectively. Thus, Chy may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of Alzheimer's disease owing to its antioxidant effect, pro-cholinergic action and/or antiamnesic potential.

Reversal of memory deficits by Coriandrum sativum leaves in mice.

BACKGROUND: Coriandrum sativum L., commonly known as coriander and belonging to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), is cultivated throughout the world for its nutritional value. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of fresh Coriandrum sativum leaves (CSL) on cognitive functions, total serum cholesterol levels and brain cholinesterase activity in mice. In this study, CSL (5, 10 and 15% w/w of diet) was fed orally with a specially prepared diet for 45 days consecutively to experimental animals. Elevated plus-maze and passive avoidance apparatus served as the exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam, scopolamine and ageing-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. RESULTS: CSL (5, 10 and 15% w/w of diet) produced a dose-dependent improvement in memory scores of young as well as aged mice. CSL also reversed successfully the memory deficits induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg kg(-1), i.p.). Interestingly, brain cholinesterase activity and serum total cholesterol levels were considerably reduced by CSL administration in daily diets concomitantly for 45 days. CONCLUSION: CSL may be a useful remedy in the management of Alzheimer's disease on account of its multifarious effects such as, memory-improving property, cholesterol-lowering property and anticholinesterase activity.

Beneficial effect of chyawanprash on cognitive function in aged mice.

OBJECTIVE: Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic formulation which is used traditionally to increase vitality, vigor and for delaying the aging process. The present study sought to explore the beneficial effects of chyawanprash on cognitive function of aged mice. METHOD: In the present study, chyawanprash (CHY) was administered orally in two concentrations (1 and 2% w/w of the diet) for 15 successive days to 17 different groups of young (8 groups) and aged (9 groups) mice. After 15 days of chyawanprash administration, the memory of the animals was assessed using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), the levels of brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated. RESULTS: The administration of chyawanprash (1 and 2% w/w) for 15 consecutive days significantly improved the memory of aged mice when compared to young mice. This Ayurvedic formulation decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity in aged mice, consequently leading to increased cholinergic transmission. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in brain TBARS and increase in GSH levels of aged animals after chyawanprash administration, thereby indicating decreased free radical generation and increased scavenging of free radicals respectively. CONCLUSION: Chyawanprash may be looked upon as a useful memory enhancer in aged animals by virtue of its antioxidant effect, pro-cholinergic action, improved learning ability, and increased retention capacity.

Soybean supplementation helps reverse age- and scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice.

Phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal plant compounds that are able to exert estrogenic effects. Soybean is a rich source of phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones. Soy isoflavones are utilized for estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is reported to influence several areas of brain that are involved in cognition and behavior. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine whether dietary supplementation with soybean improves the cognitive function of mice. Soybean was administered in three different concentrations (2%, 5% and 10% [wt/wt]) in the normal diet to young and mature mice for 60 successive days. The passive avoidance paradigm and the elevated plus maze served as the exteroceptive behavioral models, whereas scopolamine (1.4 mg/kg, i.p.) served as the interoceptive behavioral model. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) activity, brain thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total blood cholesterol levels were also measured in the present study. The administration of soybean for 60 consecutive days protected (P < .05) the animals from developing memory impairment. Soybean administration also resulted in diminished brain AChE activity, decrease in brain TBARS, and increase in GSH levels, thereby indicating facilitated cholinergic transmission, reduced free radical generation, and enhanced scavenging of free radicals. Thus, soybean appears to be a useful remedy for improving memory and for the management of cognitive deficits owing to its pro-estrogenic, antioxidant, procholinergic, and/or neuroprotective properties.

Effect of soybean supplementation on the memory of alprazolam-induced amnesic mice.

Soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Leguminoseae), is known as golden bean. It contains vegetable protein, oligosaccharide, dietary fiber, vitamins, isoflavones and minerals. Earlier studies have demonstrated a cholesterol lowering, skin protective, antitumour, antidiabetic and antioxidative potential of soybean. Soy isoflavones are also utilized as estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of soybean on memory of mice when consumed along with diet. Soybean was administered chronically for 60 consecutive days as three soybean diets viz. Soy2, Soy5, Soy10. These diet contains soybean in normal diet at concentration of 2%, 5%, 10% w/w respectively. Passive avoidance paradigm and elevated plus maze served as exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Alprazolam (0.5 mg/kg; i.p.) induced amnesia served as interoceptive behavioral model. The administration of soybean significantly reversed alprazolam-induced amnesia in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by the increased step down latency of mice using passive avoidance paradigm and increased transfer latency using elevated plus maze. Theses results suggest that consumption of soybean in diet may not only improve memory but also reverse the memory deficits, owing to its multifarious activities. It would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this nutrient in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Antiamnesic potential of Murraya koenigii leaves.

Murraya koenigii leaves commonly known as curry patta are added routinely to Indian gravy and vegetarian dishes as a favorite condiment. The effects of Murraya koenigii leaves (MKL) on cognitive functions, total serum cholesterol level and brain cholinesterase activity in young and aged mice fed orally with a diet containing 2%, 4% and 8% w/w of MKL for 30 days consecutively, were investigated. The memory scores were measured using various exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models. The MKL diets produced a significant dose-dependent improvement in the memory scores of young and aged mice and significantly reduced the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Also, brain cholinesterase activity and total cholesterol levels were reduced by the MKL diets. The underlying mechanism of action for the observed nootropic effect may be attributed to pro-cholinergic activity and a cholesterol lowering property. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to investigate specifically the therapeutic potential of MKL in the management of Alzheimer patients.

Effect of Anwala churna (Emblica officinalis GAERTN.): an ayurvedic preparation on memory deficit rats.

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of Anwala churna (Emblica officinalis GAERTN.), an Ayurvedic preparation, on memory in rats. Anwala churna was administered orally in three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 15 days to different groups of young and aged rats. The elevated plus-maze and Hebb-Williams maze served as exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam-, scopolamine-, and ageing induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. Anwala churna (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent improvement in memory scores of young and aged rats. Furthermore, it reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Based on these results, Anwala churna may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of Alzheimer's disease due to its multifarious beneficial effects such as memory improvement and reversal of memory deficits.

Evaluation of the antiamnesic effects of Phyllanthus amarus in mice / Evaluación de los efectos antiamnésicos de Phyllanthus amarus en ratones

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual decline in memory. Phyllanhus amarus is commonly known as bhumi amla in India and is traditionally used since centuries in ayurveda medicine. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Phyllanhus amarus (PA) on cognitive functions and brain cholinesterase activity in mice. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) of aqueous extract of PA were administered for 8 successive days to both young and aged mice. PA (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent improvement in memory scores of young and older mice. PA also reversed successfully the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Interestingly, brain acetyl cholinesterase activity was also reduced. The underlying mechanism of action for the observed nootropic effect may be attributed to pro-cholinergic activity exhibited by PA in the present study. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to explore the therapeutic potential of PA in the management of patients with cognitive disorders.

La enfermedad de Alzheimer es un desorden neuro-degenerativo progresivo que se caracteriza por una disminución gradual de la memoria. El Phyllanhus amarus (PA), se conoce comúnmente como bhumi amla en la India, y tradicionalmente se ha usado durante siglos en la medicina ayurvédica con diversas indicaciones. Este estudio se hizo para investigar los efectos del PA en las funciones cognitivas y en la actividad de la colinesterasa cerebral. Se emplearon las pruebas de laberinto complejo y el paradigma de evitación pasiva a fin de evaluar los parámetros de memoria y aprendizaje. Se administraron tres dosis (50, 100 y 200 mg/kg vía oral) de extracto acuoso de PA durante 8 días sucesivos, tanto a ratones jóvenes como adultos. El PA (50, 100 y 200 mg/kg) produjo una mejoría que depende de la dosis en los puntajes de memoria en los ratones jóvenes y en los adultos. EL PA también revirtió con éxito la amnesia inducida por escopolamina (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) y diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Es de interés anotar que asimismo disminuyó la actividad de la acetil colinesterasa cerebral. El mecanismo de acción subyacente para el efecto nootrópico observado se puede atribuir a la actividad pro-colinesterasa demostrada en el presente estudio. Por tanto, se justificaría explorar el potencial terapéutico del PA en el manejo de pacientes con desórdenes cognitivos.

Memory enhancing activity of Anwala churna (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.): an Ayurvedic preparation.

Ayurveda means "the science of life". Ayur means "life" and Veda means "knowledge or science". It is the oldest medical system in the world. Its origins can be traced as far back as 4500 BC, to four ancient books of knowledge, (the "Vedas") and it is still officially recognized by the government of India. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of Anwala churna (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), an Ayurvedic preparation on memory, total serum cholesterol levels and brain cholinesterase activity in mice. Anwala churna was administered orally in three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for fifteen days to different groups of young and aged mice. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance apparatus served as the exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam-, scopolamine- and ageing-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. Total serum cholesterol levels and brain cholinesterase activity also estimated. Anwala churna (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent improvement in memory scores of young and aged mice. Furthermore, it reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Interestingly, brain cholinesterase activity and total cholesterol levels were reduced by Anwala churna administered orally for 15 days. Anwala churna may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of Alzheimer's disease on account of its multifarious beneficial effects such as, memory improving property, cholesterol lowering property and anticholinesterase activity.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Thespesia populnea bark extract.

The ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea bark (TPE) was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity at the doses (p.o.) of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight. For evaluation of inflammation carrageenan-, histamine- and serotonin-induced paw edema served as acute models and formaldehyde-induced arthritis served as a chronic model in rats. The acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced paw licking time in the early and late phases of mice were used to assess analgesic activity. The higher doses of TPE (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) were inhibiting carrageenan, histamine and serotonin-induced paw edema as well as formaldehyde-induced arthritis successfully. In addition, TPE (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated the writhing responses induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid and late phase of pain response induced by an subplantar injection of formalin in mice. Furthermore, our phytochemical studies indicated that the ethanolic extract of bark contains alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, gums and mucilage, saponins and terpenes. From acute oral toxicity studies (OECD-423 guidelines), no mortality was observed even at highest dose of TPE (2000mg/kg, p.o.).

Cholinergic basis of memory-strengthening effect of Foeniculum vulgare Linn.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a decline in cognitive abilities. Dementia is one of the age-related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Nootropic agents are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of Foeniculum vulgare Linn. extract as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Methanolic extract of the whole plant of F. vulgare Linn. administered for eight successive days ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging- induced memory deficits in mice. The passive avoidance paradigm served as the exteroceptive behavioral model for assessing memory. F. vulgare extract increased step-down latency and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in mice significantly. Hence, F. vulgare can be employed in treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Antiamnesic effects of Desmodium gangeticum in mice.

Dementia is a mental disorder characterized by loss of intellectual ability sufficiently severe enough to interfere with one's occupational or social activities. Desmodium gangeticum commonly known as Salparni, is widely used in ayurveda for the treatment of neurological disorders. The present work was designed to assess the potential of aqueous extract of D. gangeticum (DG) as a nootropic agent in mice. DG (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 7 successive days to both young and older mice. Exteroceptive behavioral models such as elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory. Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) induced amnesia and ageing induced amnesia were the interoceptive behavioral models. To delineate the mechanism by which DG exerts nootropic activity, the effect of DG on whole brain AChE activity was also assessed. Piracetam (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as a standard nootropic agent. Pretreatment with DG (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for seven successive days significantly improved learning and memory in mice and reversed the amnesia induced by both, scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and natural ageing. DG also decreased whole brain acetyl cholinesterase activity. Hence, D. gangeticum appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory and it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in the management of dementia and Alzheimer disease.

Comparative brain cholinesterase-inhibiting activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Myristica fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate in mice.

The central cholinergic pathways play a prominent role in the learning and memory processes. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine. The present study was undertaken to estimate the acetylcholinesterase- inhibiting activity of extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Myristica fragrans seeds, and ascorbic acid and compare these values with a standard acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting drug, metrifonate. Aqueous extract of G. glabra (150 mg/kg p.o. for 7 successive days), n-hexane extract of M. fragrans seeds (5 mg/kg p.o. for 3 successive days), ascorbic acid (60 mg/kg i.p. for 3 successive days), and metrifonate (50 mg/kg i.p.) were administered to young male Swiss albino mice. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme was estimated in brains of mice. G. glabra, M. fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity as compared with their respective vehicle-treated control groups.

Pharmacological evidence for the potential of Daucus carota in the management of cognitive dysfunctions.

The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of Daucus carota seeds on cognitive functions, total serum cholesterol levels and brain cholinesterase activity in mice. The ethanolic extract of Daucus carota seeds (DCE) was administered orally in three doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) for seven successive days to different groups of young and aged mice. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance apparatus served as the exteroceptive behavioral models for testing memory. Diazepam-, scopolamine- and ageing-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral models. DCE (200, 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant improvement in memory scores of young and aged mice. The extent of memory improvement evoked by DCE was 23% at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 35% at the dose of 400 mg/kg in young mice using elevated plus maze. Similarly, significant improvements in memory scores were observed using passive avoidance apparatus and aged mice. Furthermore, DCE reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Daucus carota extract (200, 400 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced significantly the brain acetylcholinesterase activity and cholesterol levels in young and aged mice. The extent of inhibition of brain cholinesterase activity evoked by DCE at the dose of 400 mg/kg was 22% in young and 19% in aged mice. There was a remarkable reduction in total cholesterol level as well, to the extent of 23% in young and 21% in aged animals with this dose of DCE. Therefore, DCE may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of cognitive dysfunctions on account of its multifarious beneficial effects such as, memory improving property, cholesterol lowering property and anticholinesterase activity.

Nardostachys jatamansi improves learning and memory in mice.

Cure of cognitive disorders such as amnesia, attention deficit, and Alzheimer's disease is still far from being realized in the field of medicine. Nootropic agents such as piracetam, aniracetam, and choline esterase inhibitors like donepezil are being used for improving memory, mood, and behavior, but the resulting side effects associated with these agents have made their applicability limited. In Ayurveda, the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi have been clinically employed for their anti-ischemic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective activities. The present study was undertaken to assess the potential of N. jatmansi as a memory enhancer. The elevated plus maze and the passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Three doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) of an ethanolic extract of N. jatamansi were administered for 8 successive days to both young and aged mice. The 200 mg/kg dose of N. jatmansi ethanolic extract significantly improved learning and memory in young mice and also reversed the amnesia induced by diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, it also reversed aging-induced amnesia due to natural aging of mice. As scopolamine-induced amnesia was reversed, it is possible that the memory improvement may be because of facilitation of cholinergic transmission in the brain. Hence, N. jatmansi might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly persons. The underlying mechanism of action can be attributed to its antioxidant property.

Brahmi rasayana improves learning and memory in mice.

Cure of cognitive disorders such as amnesia, attention deficit and Alzheimer's disease is still a nightmare in the field of medicine. Nootropic agents such as piracetam, aniracetam and choline esterase inhibitors like Donepezil are being used to improve memory, mood and behavior, but the resulting side effects associated with these agents have made their use limited. The present study was undertaken to assess the potential of Brahmi rasayana (BR) as a memory enhancer. BR (100 and 200 mg kg(-1) p.o.) was administered for eight successive days to both young and aged mice. Elevated plus maze and passive-avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Scopolamine (0.4 mg kg(-1) i.p.) was used to induce amnesia in mice. The effect of BR on whole brain AChE activity was also assessed. Piracetam (200 mg kg(-1) i.p.) was used as a standard nootropic agent. BR significantly improved learning and memory in young mice and reversed the amnesia induced by both scopolamine (0.4 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and natural aging. BR significantly decreased whole brain acetyl cholinesterase activity. BR might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly.