Effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis on learning and memory in cold water swimming stress induced Wistar rats

Abstract

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (Sankhapuspi) is an ayurvedic plant that comes under the category Medhya Rasayana. Various kinds of stress are relieved by it. Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy is a perennial wild spreading herb found commonly in northern India on sandy/rocky ground under xerophytic conditions (Singh et al, 2008). In India, Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy is synonymous with Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb ex. Spreng, it belongs to Convolvulaceae family and is commonly known as Shankhpushpi. It is used in Indian Ayurveda for centuries for treating nervous disorders like stress, sleeplessness and anxiety. It is also used as medhya rasayana for rejuvenation therapy of nervous tissues. newlineThe plant is very effective in decreasing various types of stress like traumatic, psychological or chemical (Prasad et al, 1974). In various studies it was found that various extracts of the whole plant help to reduce spontaneous motor activity, hypnosis induced by pentobarbitone and analgesia produced by morphine. It also decreased fighting response, seizures, tremors and eradicated the conditioned avoidance response (Pawar et al, 2001). newlineThe previous knowledge about Convolvulus pluricaulis is utilized for antistress activity and to improve learning and memory. Since not much of studies are available in published literature the present experimental trial of this plant on stress related problems in learning and memory has been carried out. newlineThe results of current study shows that AECP possess significant anti-stress activity much better than piracetam with less dosage itself. The drug control AECP when it is chronically administered did not show any alteration in the tested parameters which proves that it is safe for the stress related treatments. newline