Guggulsterone protects against cigarette smoke-induced COPD linked lung inflammation.

Recently, we have shown that guggulsterone is the principal constituent responsible for protective effects of Commiphora wightii against elastase-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-linked inflammation/emphysema. Given that cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is a primary risk factor for COPD and beneficial effects of guggulsterone have not been investigated in CS-induced COPD-linked lung inflammation. The present work was designed to validate the potential of guggulsterone in amelioration of COPD-linked lung inflammation by using a CS-based mouse model of the condition. Male BALB/c mice were exposed to 9 cigarettes/day with 1 h interval for 4 days daily. Guggulsterone was administered daily at a dose of 10 mg/kg orally for 4 consecutive days, 1 h before initiation of CS exposure. Mice were subjected to measurement of lung function followed by procurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)/lung tissue. BALF was analyzed for inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lung tissue was subjected to RT-PCR for gene expression analysis. Data showed that CS exposure resulted in a significant increase in total BALF cells, predominantly neutrophils, and macrophages. Interestingly, guggulsterone administration significantly blunted CS-induced inflammation as reflected by reduced neutrophil and macrophage count. Further, the compound inhibited CS-induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α/ IL-1ß/ G-CSF/and KC in lungs along with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α/ IL-1ß/ IL-6/ G-CSF/ KC/and MCP-1 in BALF. Further, guggulsterone improved the lung function parameters upon CS exposure. Analysis of mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 suggests that guggulsterone may restore the fine balance between matrix-degrading proteases and its inhibitor in lung tissue upon CS exposure, which may contribute in the development of emphysema at later stages. Overall, our data show that guggulsterone protects against CS-induced COPD-linked lung inflammation by modulating relevant molecular players. Based on the potential effects of guggulsterone in the amelioration of CS-induced lung inflammation, we speculate that guggulsterone might alter chronic CS-induced emphysema.

Protective effect of oleo-gum resin of Commiphora wightii against elastase-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-linked lung inflammation and emphysema: Isolation and identification of key bioactive phytoconstituent.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oleo-gum resin of Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari of family Burseraceae, commonly known as 'guggul', is a well known Ayurvedic drug used traditionally to treat various disorders including respiratory ailments. However, role of C. wightii in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known. AIM: The present work was designed to investigate the protective potential of standardized C. wightii extract/and its fractions against elastase-induced COPD-linked lung inflammation and to identify key bioactive constituent(s). MATERIAL AND METHODS: C. wightii oleo-gum resin extract was prepared using Soxhlet extraction technique and the resultant extract was standardized on basis of guggulsterone content using HPLC. The extract was partitioned by different solvents in increasing order of polarity. Standardized extract/its partitioned fractions were orally administered to male BALB/c mice 1 h prior to intra-tracheal instillation of elastase (1U/mouse). Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by analyzing inflammatory cells and myeloperoxidase activity in lungs. The various fraction(s) were subjected to column chromatography to isolate bioactive compound. Isolated compound was identified using 1H and 13C-NMR and analyzed for assessment of several inflammatory mediators using techniques like ELISA, PCR, and gelatin zymography. RESULTS: C. wightii extract attenuated elastase-induced lung inflammation in dose-dependent manner and Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) provided maximum protection. EAF was subjected to column chromatography followed by assessment of bioactivity of each sub-fraction, ultimately leading towards isolation of two compounds i.e. C1 and C2. C1 seems to be the key active principle of C. wightii, as it displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity against elastase induced lung inflammation while C2 largely remains ineffective. C1 was identified as mixture of E- and Z-guggulsterone (GS). Reduction in the elastase induced lung inflammation by GS was associated with downregulation of expression of several COPD linked pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6/TNF-α/IL-1ß/KC/MIP-2/MCP-1/G-CSF as well as normalization of redox imbalance as indicated by levels of ROS/MDA/protein carbonyl/nitrite/GSH etc. Further, 21 days prolonged administration of GS (10 mg/kg b.wt; once daily) protected against elastase-induced emphysema by mitigating expression/activity of MMP-2/-9 and increasing TIMP-1 expression. CONCLUSION: Overall, guggulsterone seems to be the key bioactive constituent responsible for exerting beneficial effects of C. wightii against COPD.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs.

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.

Particulate matter in COPD pathogenesis: an overview.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disorder with substantial patient burden and leading cause of death globally. Cigarette smoke remains to be the most recognised causative factor behind COPD pathogenesis. Given the alarming increase in prevalence of COPD amongst non-smokers in recent past, a potential role of air pollution particularly particulate matter (PM) in COPD development has gained much attention of the scientists. Indeed, several epidemiological studies indicate strong correlation between airborne PM and COPD incidence/exacerbations. PM-induced oxidative stress seems to be the major player in orchestrating COPD inflammatory cycle but the exact molecular mechanism(s) behind such a process are still poorly understood. This may be due to the complexity of multiple molecular pathways involved. Oxidative stress-linked mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy have also gained importance and have been the focus of recent studies regarding COPD pathogenesis. Accordingly, the present review is aimed at understanding the key molecular players behind PM-mediated COPD pathogenesis through analysis of various experimental studies supported by epidemiological data to identify relevant preventive/therapeutic targets in the area.

Neuroprotective effect of standardized extracts of three Lactuca sativa Linn. varieties against 3-NP induced Huntington's disease like symptoms in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three commonly consumed Lactuca sativa (LS) Linn. varieties viz., Grand rapid, Lollo rosso and Iceberg (Asteraceae) against 3-NP induced HD like symptoms in rats. METHODS: Ethanol extracts of leaves of three LS varieties were prepared, and standardized on the basis of quercetin content using HPLC. These extracts (100 and 200 mg kg, p.o. for 20 days) were evaluated for their neuroprotective effect against 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The extract that exhibited maximum activity was successively fractionated using hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous in increasing order of polarity. These fractions were also evaluated (dose equivalent to the dose of the extract of LS variety exhibiting maximum activity) for their neuroprotective effect. The protective effect of extracts and fractions was evaluated using different behavioral (rota rod, actophotometer, beam walk and Morris water maze) and biochemical (malondialdehyde, nitrite, superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) parameters. RESULTS: 3-NP elicit marked deterioration in motor coordination, locomotor activity and memory in comparison to control group. Standardized ethanol extract of grand rapid (200 mg/kg) exhibited maximum activity amongst the three tested varieties. Therefore, its fractions were also evaluated, and n-butanol fraction (40 mg/kg) exhibited maximum attenuation of 3-NP induced HD like symptoms which was evident from improved behavioral and biochemical parameters. DISCUSSION: The results exhibit that LS (Grand rapid variety) prophylaxis mitigated 3-NP induced neurotoxicity and HD like symptoms in rats due to its potent antioxidant potential.

Marine Cyanobacteria and Microalgae Metabolites-A Rich Source of Potential Anticancer Drugs.

Cancer is at present one of the utmost deadly diseases worldwide. Past efforts in cancer research have focused on natural medicinal products. Over the past decades, a great deal of initiatives was invested towards isolating and identifying new marine metabolites via pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions in general. Secondary marine metabolites are looked at as a favorable source of potentially new pharmaceutically active compounds, having a vast structural diversity and diverse biological activities; therefore, this is an astonishing source of potentially new anticancer therapy. This review contains an extensive critical discussion on the potential of marine microbial compounds and marine microalgae metabolites as anticancer drugs, highlighting their chemical structure and exploring the underlying mechanisms of action. Current limitation, challenges, and future research pathways were also presented.

Development and Validation of a Novel, Rapid Gradient HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Bioactive Marker Compounds in a Mixture of Convolvulus pluricaulis, Withania somnifera and Bacopa monnieri Extracts.

The use of herbs as medicine is an ancient form of healthcare known to mankind. Standardization of herbal medicines is however a challenging task and is the major bottleneck in their acceptance as the primary therapeutic option. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple, rapid HPLC method for standardizing the mixture of extracts of three Medhya Rasayanas (neurotonic), Convolvulus pluricaulis, Withania somnifera and Bacopa monnieri. Simultaneous estimation of the respective bioactive markers of these plants viz., scopoletin, withaferin A, bacoside A 3, bacopaside II, jujubogenin and bacosaponin C has been reported for the first time. The method was developed using Waters Hybrid X-Bridge shield with BEH technology 2.5 µm, 4.6 × 75 mm column and validated according to ICH guidelines. The 20 minutes run time makes the method eco-friendly. The method was linear over a range of 12.5-400 ng/10 µL for scopoletin and 62.5-2,000 ng/10 µL for withaferin A, bacoside A 3, bacopaside II, jujubogenin and bacosaponin C with detection limits of 8.0, 48.3, 30.4, 40.7, 15.6 and 18.9 ng/10 µL and quantification limits of 24.5, 146.5, 92.2, 123.4, 47.4 and 57.4 ng/10 µL, respectively. The correlation coefficient for each analyte was >0.999. The intra-day and inter-day precision was <2%. These results confirmed the precision, accuracy and robustness of the proposed method.

Standardized extract of Lactuca sativa Linn. and its fractions abrogates scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice: A possible cholinergic and antioxidant mechanism.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Lactuca sativa (LS) Linn. (Asteraceae) against scopolamine-induced amnesia and to validate its traditional claim as memory enhancer. METHODS: Ethanol extract of fresh LS leaves (LSEE), standardized on the basis of quercetin content, was successively partitioned using various solvents viz., hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol in increasing order of polarity. LSEE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and its various fractions (at a dose equivalent to dose of LSEE exhibiting maximum activity), administered orally for 14 days, were evaluated for their memory enhancing effect against scopolamine-induced (1 mg/kg, i.p.) amnesia in 3-4 months old male Laca mice (n = 6 in each group). The memory enhancing effect was evaluated using behavioural (elevated plus maze, novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests) and biochemical parameters (acetylcholinesterase activity, malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase, nitrite, catalase, and reduced gultathione content). The results of the test substances were compared with both scopolamine and donepezil that was used as a standard memory enhancer and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. RESULTS: Scopolamine elicit marked deterioration of memory and alteration in biochemical parameters in comparison to the control group. LSEE and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the scopolamine-induced amnesia that was evident in all the behavioural and biochemical test parameters. LSEE (200 mg/kg) and n-butanol fraction (15 mg/kg) exhibited maximum anti-amnesic effect among various tested dose levels. DISCUSSION: The results exhibited that LS prophylaxis attenuated scopolamine-induced memory impairment through its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activity validating its traditional claim.

Ameliorating effect of Celastrus paniculatus standardized extract and its fractions on 3-nitropropionic acid induced neuronal damage in rats: possible antioxidant mechanism.

CONTEXT: Celastrus paniculatus Wild. (Celasteraceae) (CP) is a well-known Ayurvedic 'Medhya Rasayana' (nervine tonic), used extensively as a neuro-protective and memory enhancer, and in different central nervous system disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of CP against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced Huntington's disease (HD) like symptoms in Wistar male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol extract of CP seeds (CPEE), prepared by maceration, was standardized on the basis of linoleic acid content (6.42%) using thin layer chromatography densitometric analysis. Protective effect of CPEE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and its various fractions, viz., petroleum ether (40 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (2.5 mg/kg), n-butanol (7 mg/kg) and aqueous (18 mg/kg), administered orally for 20 days, against 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) was assessed by their effect on body weight, locomotor activity, grip strength, gait pattern and cognitive dysfunction and biochemical parameters for oxidative damage in the striatum and cortex regions of the brain. RESULTS: CPEE (100 and 200 mg/kg) treated animals exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in behavioural and oxidative stress parameters in comparison to only 3-NP treated animals. Amongst various tested fractions of CPEE, aqueous fraction (AF) at 18 mg/kg exhibited maximum reversal of 3-NP induced behavioural and biochemical alterations, and was therefore also tested at 9 and 36 mg/kg. CPEE (100 mg/kg) and AF (36 mg/kg) exhibited maximum and significant (p < 0.05) attenuation of 3-NP induced alterations in comparison to 3-NP treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: CPEE has a protective action against 3-NP induced HD like symptoms due to its strong antioxidant effect.

The genus Anogeissus: A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Anogeissus (axlewood tree, ghatti tree, button tree and chewing stick tree) belongs to Combretaceae, includes eight species that are distributed in Asia and Africa. Plants are used as an ethnomedicine in Asia and Africa to treat various ailments like diabetes, fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, tuberculosis, wound healing, skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis), snake and scorpion venom. Based on the traditional knowledge, different phytochemical and pharmacological activities have been at the focus of research. The aim of this review is to provide updated, comprehensive and categorized information on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacological research and toxicity of Anogeissus species in order to identify their therapeutic potential and directs future research opportunities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant data was searched by using the keyword "Anogeissus" in "Scopus", "Google Scholar", "Web of Science", "PubMed", and "ScienceDirect" databases. Plant taxonomy was validated by the databases "The Plant List" and A.J. Scott, 1979. RESULTS: This review discusses the current knowledge of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and in vitro as well as in vivo pharmacological evaluations carried out on the extracts and isolated main active constituents of Anogeissus genus. Among eight species, most of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies were performed on four species. About 55 secondary metabolites are isolated from the genus. Stem bark, leaf, seed, fruit, root of the plants are used for the treatment of several health disorders such as diabetes, fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, tuberculosis, wound healing, skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis), snake and scorpion venom. Gum ghatti obtained from Anogeissus latifolia is used after delivery as tonic and in spermatorrhoea. Many phytochemical investigations on this genus confirmed that it is rich in phenolic compounds. Modern pharmacology research has confirmed that the crude extracts or the isolated active compounds of the genus Anogeissus possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, antiulcer, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetics, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antiparasitic and neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms that some Anogeissus species have emerged as a good source of the traditional medicine for wound healing, inflammation, skin diseases, microbial infection and diabetes. Many traditional uses of Anogeissus species have now been validated by modern pharmacology research. Intensive investigations of all the species of Anogeissus regarding phytochemical and pharmacological properties, especially their mechanism of action, safety and efficacy could be the future research interests before starting clinical trials.

Attenuating effect of bioactive coumarins from Convolvulus pluricaulis on scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice.

Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois. (Convolvulaceae) has been used in Ayurveda as Medhya Rasyana (nervine tonic) to treat various mental disorders. This study was designed to isolate the bioactive compound(s) of this plant and to evaluate their effect against scopolamine-induced amnesia. Column chromatography of the chloroform and ethyl-acetate fractions led to the isolation of three coumarins identified as scopoletin, ayapanin and scopolin. All the three compounds at 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg, p.o. were evaluated for memory-enhancing activity against scopolamine-induced amnesia using elevated plus maze and step down paradigms. Effect on acetylcholinesterase activity in mice brain was also evaluated. Scopoletin and scopolin, in both the paradigms, significantly and dose dependently attenuated the scopolamine-induced amnesic effect. Furthermore, these compounds at 10 and 15 mg/kg exhibited activity comparable to that of standard drug, donepezil. The compounds also exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

Protective effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis standardized extract and its fractions against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

CONTEXT: Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois. (Convolvulaceae), a well-known Ayurvedic "Medhya Rasayana" (nervine tonic), is extensively used for different central nervous system (CNS) disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of standardized hydro-methanol extract of C. pluricaulis (CPE) and its fractions, namely ethyl acetate (EAE), butanol (BE), and aqueous (AE), against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced neurotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract of the whole plant was standardized on the basis of scopoletin content (0.014%) using thin layer chromatography densitometric analysis. CPE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and its fractions, namely EAE (15 and 30 mg/kg), BE (25 and 50 mg/kg), and AE (50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered orally for 20 d. Their protective effect against 3-NP (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 d) was assessed by the effect on various behavioral parameters, namely body weight, locomotor activity, grip strength, gait pattern, and the effect on cognitive dysfunction. Biochemical parameters for oxidative damage were also assessed in the striatum and cortex regions of the brain. RESULTS: Administration of 3-NP induced HD-like symptoms that were indicated by reduced body weight, locomotor activity, memory, grip strength, and oxidative defense. CPE (200 mg/kg), EAE (30 mg/kg), and BE (50 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated 3-NP induced reduction in locomotor activity, grip strength, memory, body weight, and oxidative defense in comparison with 3-NP-treated animals on 10 and 15 d. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that CPE has a protective action against 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity and can be further explored for its efficacy against Huntington's disease.

Attenuating effect of standardized lyophilized Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract against streptozotocin-induced experimental dementia of Alzheimer's type.

BACKGROUND: The Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ; family Lauraceae) bark, an important spice, has also been used traditionally for nervous stress, as a nervine tonic, and as a stimulant. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the standardized lyophilized aqueous extract of CZ bark (LCZE) on learning and memory in rodents at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o. dose levels against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced memory impairment. METHODS: LCZE was standardized based on the cinnamaldehyde content using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The effect on learning and memory was evaluated using two widely used behavioral models, the Morris water maze (MWM) test and the object recognition test (ORT). The effect of LCZE on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress parameters in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rat brain was also evaluated. RESULTS: LCZE significantly (p<0.05) and dose-dependently attenuated STZ-induced cognitive deficit in both models in comparison to only STZ-treated animals. In the MWM test, LCZE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the transfer latency and increased the time spent by the animals in target quadrant. Similarly in the ORT, the LCZE-treated animals exhibited an improved discrimination between a familiar object and a novel object, indicating the reversal of STZ-induced memory impairment. LCZE also restored STZ-induced alteration in AChE activity and oxidative stress parameters in both brain parts. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly indicate toward the memory-enhancing effect of LCZE, which could be due to the synergistic effect of anti-AChE and antioxidant activities.

Plants and phytochemicals for Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, including chorea and dystonia, emotional disturbances, memory, and weight loss. The medium spiny neurons of striatum and cortex are mainly effected in HD. Various hypotheses, including molecular genetics, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, metabolic dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Despite no treatment is available to fully stop the progression of the disease, there are treatments available to help control the chorea. The present review deals with brief pathophysiology of the disease, plants and phytochemicals that have shown beneficial effects against HD like symptoms. The literature for the current review was collected using various databases such as Science direct, Pubmed, Scopus, Sci-finder, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database with a defined search strategy.

Ameliorating effect of lyophilized extract of Butea frondosa leaves on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats.

CONTEXT: Butea frondosa (BF) Roxb. & Koen. (syn. B. monosperma Lam.) (Fabaceae) leaves have been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes, conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, amnesia, etc. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract of BF leaves (BFLE) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o., for its memory enhancing activity against scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiamnesic effect of the BFLE was evaluated using Morris water maze and object recognition test models. The effect of BFLE on acetylcholinesterase activity and malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were also evaluated in brain homogenate. RESULT: BFLE ameliorates scopolamine-induced amnesia in both the models with maximum effect at 400 mg/kg. BFLE (400 mg/kg) decreased escape latency and increased time spent in target quadrant (24.2 and 42.5 s, respectively) in comparison to scopolamine (82 and 18.2 s, respectively) in the Morris water maze task. In the object recognition test, BFLE produced significant increase in ability to discriminate between novel and familiar objects. The highest investigated dose of BFLE (400 mg/kg), produced a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity and malondialdehyde levels, and improves glutathione levels in comparison to scopolamine. Moreover, this effect of BFLE at 400 mg/kg was comparable to that of standard, donepezil. CONCLUSION: BFLE exhibited significant antiamnesic activity in rats thereby validating its folklore use.

Nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant studies on different plant sources of shankhpushpi.

CONTEXT: Shankhpushpi, a well-known drug in Ayurveda, is extensively used for different central nervous system (CNS) effects especially memory enhancement. Different plants are used under the name shankhpushpi in different regions of India, leading to an uncertainty regarding its true source. Plants commonly used under the name shankhpushpi are: Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois., Evolvulus alsinoides Linn., both from Convolvulaceae, and Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Leguminosae). OBJECTIVE: To find out the true source of shankhpushpi by evaluating and comparing memory-enhancing activity of the three above mentioned plants. Anxiolytic, antidepressant and CNS-depressant activities of these three plants were also compared and evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nootropic activity of the aqueous methanol extract of each plant was tested using elevated plus-maze (EPM) and step-down models. Anxiolytic, antidepressant and CNS-depressant studies were evaluated using EPM, Porsolt?s swim despair and actophotometer models, respectively. RESULTS: C. pluricaulis extract (CPE) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o. showed maximum nootropic and anxiolytic activity (p < 0.001). E. alsinoides extract (EAE) and C. ternatea extract (CTE) showed maximum memory-enhancing and anxiolytic activity (p < 0.001) at 200 and 100?mg/kg, respectively. Amongst the three plants, EAE and CTE showed significant (p < 0.05), while CPE did not exhibit any antidepressant activity. All the three plants showed CNS-depressant action at higher dose levels. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The above results showed all the three plants possess nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant activity. The results of memory-enhancing activity suggest C. pluricaulis to be used as true source of shankhpushpi.