Pharmacological Exploration of Nootropic Activity of some Indigenous Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction, a major health problem in 21st century is one of the most functionally demoralizing characteristic of many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders which can be overcome by use of Rasayana plants which are believed to have Neuroprotective property. In the present study, the roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn and rhizomes of Acorus calamus Linn were selected to assess its memory enhancing potential. newlineMaterial and methods: The plant parts were collected; authenticated; shed dried and successively extracted using different solvent according to polarity. The extracts were subjected to various chemical analyses like Estimation of phytoconstituents, Inhibition of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity against free radicals and inhibition of Acetylcholine esterase enzymes. The acute and chronic toxicity studies were performed within prescribed guideline set by OECD. The Evaluation of Memory Enhancing Activity was carried out by Morris Water test and Elevated plus Maze test. The Biochemical Estimation was carried out by Acetyl cholinesterase inhibition activity. The extracts and their fractions were subjected to characterization by different spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Finally isolated fractions subjected to pharmacological studies. newlineResults and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents responsible for memory enhancing activity. The antioxidant activities of different extracts were performed by lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and DPPH methods. In all antioxidant assays, the chloroform extract showed better activity as compared to standard. The equivalent results were also obtained in lipid peroxidation assays for both plant extracts. The acute oral toxicity for both plants revealed that, there were no sign and symptoms of toxicity even at highest dose of 2000mg/kg. newlineIn memory enhancing models, all the extracts in a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg were provided to animals for 15 successive Days.