Abstract
BackgroundIn traditional Chinese medicine Ganoderma lucidum is famous for its beneficial effect on nervous system. It was traditionally used to manage different neurological disorders. This study was designed to investigate the nootropic potential of the mushroom.MethodsNootropic activity was evaluated following the oral administration of two different doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum. Physostigmine (0.1 mg/kg) and Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Distilled water was used as a control. Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze were used for the assessment of learning process. In elevated plus maze, initial transfer latency and retention transfer latency were assessed. In Morris water maze, TSTQ (time spent in target quadrant) and transfer latency were evaluated. For the assessment of locomotor activity, open field test was utilized. Furthermore, biochemical estimation of acetylcholinestrases (AchE) was performed by using Ellman’s method.ResultsThe results of the study show that the Ganoderma lucidum extract has significantly increased the time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ) and decreased the escape latency (EL) in Morris water maze model. Whereas, a decrease in the Initial Transfer Latency (ITL) and Retention Transfer Latency (RTL) was observed in elevated plus maze model. Conclusion: The present study showed that Ganoderma lucidum has physostigmine like effect on brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity.
Highlights
In traditional Chinese medicine Ganoderma lucidum is famous for its beneficial effect on nervous system
Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on initial transfer latency (ITL) in Elevated plus maze (EPM) Initial transfer latency of the scopolamine treated animals was increased significantly when compared with control group
Initial transfer latency of mice treated with physostigmine, Ganoderma lucidum extract 150 mg/ kg and 300 mg/kg decreased when compared with scopolamine group
Summary
In traditional Chinese medicine Ganoderma lucidum is famous for its beneficial effect on nervous system. Memory is one of the most critical functions of the brain and a major process by which the things we experience and observe are recorded and utilized to react to the surroundings. It is considered as a fundamental unit for the survival of human beings [1]. The centrally acting cholinergic neuronal system is considered as the most essential system in the regulation of several important functions of the brain including memory and learning [2]. Loss of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis magnocellular of cortex is considered as hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
