ABSTRACT

Recently memory complaints and memory disorders are becoming more prevalent due to various factors such as natural (ageing, physical and mental stress), environmental (excess levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methyl mercury in atmosphere, aluminium in foods), iatrogenic (electroconvulsive shock therapy and use of certain CNS depressants). nootropic drugs, meaning drugs that enhance mental performance. In ancient study roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge family Fabaceae gives good protection against aging and age related diseases. But its effect on learning and memory is not scientifically proven. The present study was carried out to study the effect of ethanolic extract of roots of Astragalus membranaceus on memory deficits caused by MES and Scopolamine in rats. In wistar rats of either sex, amnesia was induced by subjecting to MES (150mA for 0.2s) through corneal electrodes for seven days. Ehanolic extract of roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (500mg/kg, p.o) was evaluated for its nootropic activity in terms of Transfer Latency (TL) by using elevated plus maze and step down passive avoidance test. Rats were sacrificed at the end of study and Acetyl Cholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity was estimated. The extract showed significant improvement in ‘learning’ and ‘memory’ as compared to control group in all the models and also showed significant reduction in acetylcholineesterase activity. The present study indicates that treatment with roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge extract enhances the memory function and this could be mediated through brain cholinergic system. Keywords: Amnesia, Transfer Latency, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, Acetylcholine esterase, MES, learning and memory
Publication date: 01/02/2022

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2022/February/MS_IJBPAS_2022_5913.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2022/11.2.5913