Acute Toxicity Test and Nootropic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge on Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Rats

Abstract

The dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, belongs to the family fabaceae enhances the memory function and this could be mediated through brain cholinergic system. Historically in China it is used as a medicine for treatment of different types of diseases. It gives good protection against aging and age related diseases. Astragalus membranaceus Bunge root extract was investigated to reveal its nootropic effect and acute toxicity study. The powdered roots were tested for the phytochemical constituents. Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, saponins, volatile oils, alkaloids, sterols and flavonoids were present. The acute toxicity study of ethanolic extract was carried out according to the OECD test guideline 423. There were no signs of toxicity of rats even with a maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg of the extract during 14 days. For evaluation of nootropic activity, ethanolic extract was administered by oral route to scopolamine induced amnesic rat model. The reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat brain supports the elevated plus maze (EPM) and passive avoidance test by improving memory function by lowering acetylcholinesterase activity. Present study shows Astragalus membranaceus Bunge root extract possesses significant nootropic activity in scopolamine induced amnesia rat models.
 Keywords: Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, EPM, passive avoidance, nootropic, acetyl Cholinesterase and Scopolamine.