Memory Enhancing Activity Research Articles

“A Review of Parquetina nigrescens (Afzel.) Bullock, A Plant for Traditional Medicine: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties”

The development of herbal medicines as a remedy for several illnesses has been recognized and accepted worldwide by health experts. Parquetina nigrescens is a perennial evergreen woody climber from the Apocynaceae family, widely used in Africa for the treatment of many diseases. The current study is intended to review and put together information available on this ethno-medicinal plant, which will improve scientific knowledge about the plant and also identify research areas that need to be investigated further. The information related to the plant was obtained using scientific databases such as Google scholar, WebMD, Wiley, Science direct, Cochrane database, student thesis, PubMed, and Scopus to obtain relevant literature regarding the botanical descriptions and distribution of the plant, traditional uses, phytochemicals, active compounds isolated from the plant, and pharmacological properties of P. nigrescens. Several traditional uses for different parts of the plant (leaves, stem bark, roots, leaf sap, flowers, and latex) have been presented. A review of the phytochemical composition of different plant parts revealed the presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, coumarin, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and saponins. Many studies also highlighted pharmacological activities related to P. nigrescens, including antianemic and haematological activity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antiasthmatic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, neurotoxic, cytotoxic, antityphoid, antipolycystic ovarian syndrome activity, antilipidemic, and memory-enhancing activity. It is recommended that further in-vivo and clinical studies be conducted on the plant for the development of novel drugs.

Structure-Activity Relationship and Neuroprotective Activity of 1,5-Dihydro-2H-naphtho[1,2-b][1,4]diazepine-2,4(3H)-diones as P2X4 Receptor Antagonists.

We analyzed the P2X4 receptor structure-activity relationship of a known antagonist 5, a 1,5-dihydro-2H-naphtho[1,2-b][1,4]diazepine-2,4(3H)-dione. Following extensive modification of the reported synthetic route, 4-pyridyl 21u (MRS4719) and 6-methyl 22c (MRS4596) analogues were most potent at human (h) P2X4R (IC50 0.503 and 1.38 μM, respectively, and selective versus hP2X1R, hP2X2/3R, hP2X3R). Thus, the naphthalene 6-, but not 7-position was amenable to substitution, and an N-phenyl ring aza-scan identified 21u with 3-fold higher activity than 5. Compounds 21u and 22c showed neuroprotective and learning- and memory-enhancing activities in a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke, with potency of 21u > 22c. 21u dose-dependently reduced infarct volume and reduced brain atrophy at 3 and 35 days post-stroke, respectively. Relevant to clinical implication, 21u also reduced ATP-induced [Ca2+]i influx in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. This study indicates the translational potential of P2X4R antagonists for treating ischemic stroke, including in aging populations.

EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CYNODON DACTYLON (DOOB GRASS) ON NORMAL AND IMPAIRED MEMORY IN MICE

Objective: Memory impairment in any age affects the quality of life, though this problem is common in old age. The present study was carried out to study the effect of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon (AECD) on normal and impaired memory in mice. Methods: The gum acacia suspension of AECD was administered by gavage at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 30 days to evaluate memory-enhancing effect on normal and scopolamine-induced impaired memory in albino mice. Escape latency (EL) in Morris water maze (MWM) and transfer latency (TL) in elevated plus maze were recorded. Mice were given four trial sessions per day to locate the platform for 5 days in MWM model. Scopolamine 1 mg/kg was injected i.p. to produce memory impairment in mice. Results: AECD at the dose of 200 mg/kg (p>0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.05) showed reduction of EL and TL as compared to control group in normal mice. AECD 200 mg/kg (p>0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.05) showed reduction of EL and TL as compared to negative control group in impaired memory mice. AECD 400 mg/kg was comparable to that of piracetam at the dose of 200 mg/kg in normal and scopolamine-treated mice. However, AECD showed better memory-enhancing effect in scopolamine-induced impaired memory model than in normal memory. Conclusion: The study revealed that the chronic administration of AECD exhibited significant memory-enhancing activity against both normal and scopolamine-treated impaired memory mice groups.

Nootropic and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. By Different In-Vivo & In-Vitro Methods

AIM- The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae) for evaluation of memory enhancing activity. MATERIAL & METHODS- All the plant materials were dried under shade and subjected to coarse powder for extraction process. Accurately weighed quantity of roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. extracted using petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, butanol and finally water by soxhlet apparatus for 72 h. Qualitative chemical tests of chloroform, methanol, butanol and water extracts were subjected to various chemical tests to detect various Phytoconstituents. Briefly, 6.0 mg ß-carotene was dissolved in 10 ml of chloroform, and then 1 ml of solution pipette to glass filled of 20 mg linoleic acid. 5 ml of mixture then pipette to reaction tube filled of extract in a range of concentration, mixed homogenously. Briefly, 1 mL of 0.3 mM of DPPH solution was added to 1 mL each of the test solutions, and was incubated in the dark at room temperature for 30 min. Escape latency (EL) was recorded 120 min after drug administration from 11th day to 14th day. On 15th day, time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ) was noted 120 min after the drug administration. In case of animals administered with physostigmine, EL and TSTQ was noted after 30 min of drug administration. 0.4 ml of brain homogenate was added into a test tube containing 2.6 ml of phosphate buffer. 5,5-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid reagent (0.1 ml) was added to the above mixture and absorbance was noted at 412 nm. RESULTS- The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed that different active constituent present in different extracts such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fat, oils, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and other phenolics compounds. Vitamin E as standard was used in this assay and 84% inhibition was found to be at 30 minutes. Chloroform extract also showed 70% inhibition at 30 minutes which was reduced to 45% at the time of 120 minutes. Hydroxyl radical scavenging ability calculated as IC50 reveals that chloroform; methanol, butanol and water extracts have IC50 values of 47 μg/mL, 100μg/mL, 200 μg/mL and 150μg/mL, respectively. Among all the extracts, chloroform extract showed a highly significant effect on EL and TSTQ. Chloroform extracts significantly decreased (P<0.001) EL and significantly increased TSTQ as compared to vehicle treated control. CONCLUSION- The deterioration and dysfunction of cortical cholinergic neurons is closely associated with cognitive deficits of Alzheimer’s disease. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Vitamin E, DPPH solution, Plumbago zeylanica Linn., Plumbaginaceae, EL and TSTQ

Neuroprotective Effect of Phaseoloidin in Scopolamine Induced Amnesia, Neuro-inflammation and Apoptosis in Mice

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major form of dementia among neurodegenerative diseases, which results in memory deficits. There is no report of the memory enhancing activity of Entada phaseoloides, however we reported its potential as a memory enhancing compound and based on this study, its isolated compound Phaseoloidin is taken up for the present study in scopolamine induced memory impairment in Morris water Maze (MWM). Methods: Mice (n=6/group) treated with Phaseoloidin (100 and 200 mg/kg) and the standard drug Tacrine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were pretreated with scopolamine. Animals were sacrificed to evaluate AChE and lipid peroxidase, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase. Gene (BDNF, TrkB, NF-êB p65, Caspase-3) expression studies by Western Blotting and AChE, PP2A, Tau, Nrf2 and HO-1 by Reverse Transcriptase PCR and Real Time PCR. Result: Phaseoloidin and Tacrine significantly improved memory dysfunction by decreasing escape latency during training and enhance in time spent in target quadrant. Its treatment reversed the scopolamine induced elevation of AChE, elevated SOD, GSH, Catalase levels and decreased LPO, NO levels in the hippocampus. Expressions of BDNF, TrkB, NF-êB p65 and Caspase-3 were up regulated in the treated group. It suppressed mRNA expression of AChE, Tau and increased Nrf2, HO-1, PP2A. Thus, Phaseoloidin could be a potent neuro-pharmacological compound against amnesia.

A review on memory enhancing activity of ginger

Age-related ailments are on the rise as people live longer. Worldwide, there is an increasing need for dementia drugs, however the current medications do not meet those needs. Natural compounds, used in ancient medicine for their advantages and tolerance, have recently attracted scientific study. This analysis examines ginger's anti- and anti-vascular dementia (Zingiber officinale) properties, two of the most common and devastating dementias. Clinical trials on Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia models have indicated therapeutic advantages from ginger compounds. This research reveals that ginger's components may help treat and prevent the disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that primarily affects the elderly and causes cognitive failure. Various cellular problems such as amyloid-beta buildup, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, neurotransmitter imbalance, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions cause this disease. New Alzheimer's medicines should be able to tackle additional ailments, such as side effects and pharmacokinetic difficulties. Phytochemicals are powerful anti-disease agents that are widely used in humans. In vitro trials are included after eligibility screening. The most frequent interventive processes are oxidative stress and apoptosis. A recent study links Alzheimer's pathology with signalling pathways. In vivo studies and clinical trials assist clarify cognitive test results.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Screening of Salvia Hispanica Seed Extracts against Alzeimer’s Disease in Rodents

The objective of this study was to identify the potential of salvia hispanica as protective and therapeutic agent against Alzheimer’s disease. The learning and memory enhancing activity of saliva hispanica seed extract were investigated in rats by using the ethanol induced cognitive impairment and diazepam induced amnesia and its effects on learning and memory were examined by using Morris water maze (MWM) test and 8-radial arm maze (8-RAM) test. For Morris water maze test all groups showed significantly (P value is < 0.01 &< 0.05) decreases transfer latency time at all periods as compared to ethanol and diazepam inducing group & for radial arm maze test all groups showed significantly (P value is< 0.0001) decreased in the time taken to reach the paired arm and number of entries in baited arm and non-baited arm as compared to ethanol inducing group. Therefore seed extracts of salvia hispanica exhibited significantly learning and memory activity in Alzheimer’s disease.

Phytotherapeutics against Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanism, Molecular Targets and Challenges for Drug Development.

Alzheimer's disease is inflating worldwide and is combatted by only a few approved drugs. At best, these drugs treat symptomatic conditions by targeting cholinesterase and N-methyl- D-aspartate receptors. Most of the clinical trials in progress are focused on developing disease-modifying agents that aim at single targets. The 'one drug-one target' approach is failing in the case of Alzheimer's disease due to its labyrinth etiopathogenesis. Traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda use a holistic approach encompassing the legion of medicinal plants exhibiting multimodal activity. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have catapulted the research in the arena of Ayurveda, specifically in identifying plants with potent anti-Alzheimer's disease properties and their phytochemical characterization. Nonetheless, clinical trials of very few herbal medicines are in progress. This review is a compendium of Indian plants and ayurvedic medicines against Alzheimer's disease and their paraphernalia. A record of 230 plants that are found in India with anti-Alzheimer's disease potential and about 500 phytochemicals from medicinal plants have been solicited with the hope of exploring the unexplored. Further, the molecular targets of phytochemicals isolated from commonly used medicinal plants, such as Acorus calamus, Bacopa monnieri, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Tinospora cordifolia and Withania somnifera, have been reviewed with respect to their multidimensional property, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-aggregation, synaptic plasticity modulation, cognition, and memory-enhancing activity. In addition, the strengths and challenges in ayurvedic medicine that limit its use as mainstream therapy are discussed, and a framework for the development of herbal medicine has been proposed.

Investigation of Memory Enhancing Activity of Madhuca longifolia Leaf Extract against Colchicine: An Experimental Study and Biochemical Alterations in Mice

Investigation of Memory Enhancing Activity of Madhuca longifolia Leaf Extract against Colchicine: An Experimental Study and Biochemical Alterations in Mice

Phytochemical Screening and Learning and Memory Activity of Cucurbita pepo against Ethanol Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rodents by Using 8-ARM Radial Maze [8-ARM

The present study was undertaken to investigate the learning and memory enhancing activity of Cucurbita pepo seed extract in rats by using the ethanol induced cognitive impairment and its effects were examined by using 8-radial arm maze (8-RAM) test. For radial arm maze test all groups showed significantly (P value is< 0.0001& < 0.001) decreased in the time taken to reach the paired arm and number of entries in baited arm and non-baited arm as compared to ethanol inducing group. Therefore seed extracts of Cucurbita pepo exhibited significantly learning and memory activity in Alzheimer’s disease.

Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Evidence of Hesperidin as Neuroprotective Agent.

Neuroprotection is preserving neural function in various neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside in citrus fruits such as sweet oranges and lemons, possesses many biological effects, including neuroprotection. The study aims to explore the neuropharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic potential of hesperidin in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. It emphasizes comparative and clinical trial studies with a number of targets reviewed from the data available on PubMed, Science Direct, Clinicaltrails.gov, and from many reputed foundations. Escalating clinical evidence has established the inhibitory effect of hesperidin in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. Neuroprotective potential of hesperidin is characterized by endogenous antioxidant defence functions, improvement of neural growth factors, antineuroinflammatory activity, and apoptotic pathways. The present study highlights the beneficial neuropharmacological potential of hesperidin, including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, memory, and locomotor enhancing activities.

Evaluation of neuroprotective effects of Canna indica L against aluminium chloride induced memory impairment in rats

Memory disorders are the progressive neurological disorder, mainly causing dementia, memory loss and cognitive dysfunctions. The current study is aimed to experimentally validate the crude extract of Canna indica aerial parts (CIA) and root (CIR) against aluminium chloride induced altered memory in rats. Initially, methanolic extract of CIA, hydroalcoholic extract of CIR, and their combination of CIA + CIR were screened for Invitro antioxidant activity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) assays, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory assay and were also screened for their memory enhancing activity by in-vivo models such as elevated plus maze (EPM), morris water maze (MWM), cooks pole climb (CPC), Actophotometer, novel object recognition (NOR), and T-maze. Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) (17 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 21 days, was used as an Alzheimer’s disease inducing agent and Donepezil (AChE inhibitor) as a standard treatment agent. The AChE, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were significantly increased, and glutathione (GSH), total protein (TP), catalase (CAT), and Dopamine were decreased only in AlCl3 treated rats and treatment with CIA 200 mg/kg and CIA + CIR 200 mg/kg significantly reversed these mechanisms.Histopathology of cortex and hippocampus was examined at 40× magnification, indicating maintain of integrity and architecture of CA1 and CA3 neuronal cells compared to control and standard groups. The in vivo studies of interospective and exteroceptive behavior models (EPM), MWM, CPC, Actophotometer, NOR, T-maze revealed that AlCl3 administration enhanced transfer latency (TL), escape latency time (ELT) and decreases locomotion, discriminatory index, and percentage alternation respectively. However, treatment with CIA and CIA + CIR 200 mg/kg highly significantly reversed the pathological changes of disease, extracts of Canna indica of both root and aerial parts phyto constituents are rich in flavonoids, phlobatannins, anthocyanin pigments, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids etc. Which will decipher the acetylcholinestrase inhibitory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, will ameliorate the pathological state of Alzheimer disease.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13596-021-00627-x.

Anti-amnesic effects of withaferin A, a steroidal lactone isolated from Withania adpressa, on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice

Natural secondary metabolites have long served as sources of drugs against various health disorders, among them neurodegenerative diseases especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Withanolides, isolated from Withania species , have shown acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity and their neuroprotective effects may be beneficial in the treatment of cholinergic system associated diseases, such as AD. This study was undertaken to highlight the neuroprotective effects of withaferin A (WA), isolated from W. adpressa leaves, using a scopolamine-induced memory impairment model in mice. The in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition potentials of WA were assessed. The learning and memory enhancing activities of WA at different doses (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg) were investigated utilizing Novel Object Recognition (NOR) and Barnes maze (BM). WA substantially inhibited AChE and BuChE enzymes with IC 50 values of 45.5 ± 0.14 and 68.2 ± 0.27 µg/mL, respectively. Noteworthy, rotarod results revealed no significant differences between WA and control groups. Also, learning, and spatial memory performance in NOR and BM tests were improved compared to the control groups. Furthermore, the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain was significantly inhibited ( p < 0.05) by WA at the three tested doses. WA possessed certain affinity in both enzymes with low binding energy compared to the reference drug donepezil in a molecular docking study. This study displays that WA could be used for enhancing learning and memory impairment and appears to be a promising candidate for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Effect of grewia hirsuta vahl ethanolic root extract on cognition in scopolamine induced amnesia

Objective Alzheimer's illnesses are becoming medical nightmares because there is no exact solution and existing nootropic medicines (Piracetam, tacrine, and metrifonate) have significant drawbacks. The goal of this study was to see if the ethanolic root extract of Grewia hirsuta (ERGH) could improve memory in rats who had been given scopolamine.&#x0D; Materials and procedures At rats, ERGH was given orally in dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days, followed by Scopolamine (18 mg/kg i.p.) from the 25th to the 27th day. The usual nootropic drug was piracetam (200 mg/kg). The elevated plus maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWM), and passive avoidance (PA) paradigms are used to assess cognitive functioning. Invivo anti-oxidant activity and brain acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity were assessed.&#x0D; Results: At the indicated doses, ERGH extract showed a substantial memory-enhancing activity by decreasing the transfer latency in EPM, increasing the escape latency in MWM, and increasing the shock-free zone in PA. In scopolamine-induced amnesia rats, pretreatment with ERGH resulted in a significant drop in AchE enzyme, an increase in enzymatic antioxidant, and a decrease in MDA levels.&#x0D; Conclusion Because of its several favorable benefits, such as memory-improving properties, anticholinesterase activity, and antioxidant activity, ERGH may prove to be a useful drug in the current study, and it would be important to investigate its potential in the care of Alzheimer's patients.

Therapeutic Effects of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Trimethyltin-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Impairment in the C57BL/6 Mice Model.

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the causative factors in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitive dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hydrogen (H2) gas inhalation in trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction in the C57BL/6 mice. First, mice were divided into the following groups: mice without TMT injection (NC), TMT-only injection group (TMT only), TMT injection + lithium chloride-treated group as a positive control (PC), and TMT injection + 2% H2 inhalation-treated group (H2). The TMT injection groups were administered a single dosage of intraperitoneal TMT injection (2.6 mg/kg body weight) and the H2 group was treated with 2% H2 for 30 min once a day for four weeks. Additionally, a behavioral test was performed with Y-maze to test the cognitive abilities of the mice. Furthermore, multiple OS- and AD-related biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), calcium (Ca2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, inflammatory cytokines, apolipoprotein E (Apo-E), amyloid β (Aβ)-40, phospho-tau (p-tau), Bcl-2, and Bcl-2- associated X (Bax) were investigated in the blood and brain. Our results demonstrated that TMT exposure alters seizure and spatial recognition memory. However, after H2 treatment, memory deficits were ameliorated. H2 treatment also decreased AD-related biomarkers, such as Apo-E, Aβ-40, p-tau, and Bax and OS markers such as ROS, NO, Ca2+, and MDA in both serum and brain. In contrast, catalase and GPx activities were significantly increased in the TMT-only group and decreased after H2 gas treatment in serum and brain. In addition, inflammatory cytokines such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were found to be significantly decreased after H2 treatment in both serum and brain lysates. In contrast, Bcl-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels were found to be enhanced after H2 treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrated that 2% H2 gas inhalation in TMT-treated mice exhibits memory enhancing activity and decreases the AD, OS, and inflammatory-related markers. Therefore, H2 might be a candidate for repairing neurodegenerative diseases with cognitive dysfunction. However, further mechanistic studies are needed to fully clarify the effects of H2 inhalation on TMT-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction.

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS IN IMMUNOMODULATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF SHILAJATU

Ayurveda focuses upon preventing and promoting health along with curing of diseases in a systematic way. Ayurvedic literature has numerous single and compound plant-based, herbo-mineral, herbo-metallic formulations for general well being and in disease-specifi c conditions relating to geriatrics. Rasayana is a specialized branch that deals with the problems related to ageing and methods to counter the same. Shilajatu is one such compound, which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as Rasayana and as a treatment for all the ailments of body. It is composed of mainly humic acid (60-80 %), and fulvic acid, oxygenated dibenzo- -pyrones and minerals in ionic form (20-40 %). This article is aimed at analyzing and disseminating the classical concepts and available published researches inferring antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Shilajatu. The review reveals that Shilajatu exhibits signifi cant antioxidant, immunomodulatory, chelating, cognitive and memory enhancing activities, thus it could prove to be a panacea for mankind.

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of centella asiatica on streptozotocin induced memory dysfunction in adult zebrafish

• Hydro-alcoholic extract of centella asiatica ameliorates streptozotocin induced memory dysfunction by decreasing the level of AChEs. • The neuroprotective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of CA is due to its antioxidant and memory enhancing activity. • Hydro-alcoholic extract of CA improved memory function which was assessed by behavioural parameters (T-maze test and light and dark test). • Hydro-alcoholic extract of CA attenuates oxidative stress by decreasing LPO level in the adult zebrafish. Streptozotocin (STZ) causes learning and memory impairment in adult zebrafish by causing the disturbance in glucose and energy metabolism of the brain. Hydro-alcoholic extract of centella asiatica (HA-CA) has been demonstrated to improve cognitive functions due to its antioxidant property. In this study, adult zebrafish (approx 3 months old, weight range from 470–530 mg) was subjected to the STZ administration (300 mg/kg; i.p ) followed by drug treatment with HA-CA (10 and 20 μg/mL) before 24 h of STZ administration followed by blood glucose level measurement, behavioral parameters (light and dark test and T-maze test) and biochemical parameters (protein estimation, LPO and AChEs activity). Exposure to STZ in adult zebrafish showed significant alterations in behavioural and biochemical analysis. In the light-dark test STZ treated zebrafish shown their preference in dark compartment as compared to normal group and in T-maze test STZ treated zebrafish has shown more time spent in the unfavorable zone with an increase in total latency (TL) as compared to the normal group. However, drug administration with CA (10 and 20 μg/mL) significantly improved the memory deficits in both light and dark test and T-maze test as compared to the STZ treated group which indicated improved memory function with a significant decrease in oxidative stress level (decrease LPO) and AChEs activity. HA- CA markedly improved memory functions in adult zebrafish due to its anti-oxidant potential.

Ameliorative Potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extracts on Memory Impairments in Stress Triggered Rats

Background: Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Family: Fabaceae) is known to be a very useful medicinal plant in the Traditional Medicinal Systems since centuries. With ethnopharmacological values, it is a well-reported plant for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, expectorant and antidepressant activities. Objective: Although the plant has been described to possess memory enhancing activity, the present study focused on examining the comparative effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts viz. flavonoid rich (GGFE) and glycyrrhizin rich (GGGE) in stress-triggered rats and providing future research insights on this herbal drug, for which no scientific justification has been reported till now. Methods: Male Wister rats divided into 7 different groups (n= 6 per group) were given chronic foot-shock stress for 21 successive days with scheduled administration of the extracts (50 and 100 mg/kg) and standard drug (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Elevated Plus Maze, Rectangular Maze, Morris Water Maze, and Locomotor activity were performed to test behavioral alteration and learning ability of stressed rats. Further, rats were sacrificed to assay acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant activity in brain samples for their mechanistic role in learning and memory. Results: Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra indicated a significant alteration in stress-induced learning and memory deficiency in behavioral parameters studied. These extracts also modulated significant changes in acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzyme activity to improve the learning and memory of stressed rats. Conclusions: Both the extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GGFE and GGGE) were found to exert memory enhancing property in stress-triggered rats. Moreover, the comparative results confirmed that the high potential of GGGE in comparison to GGFE might be due to the rich glycyrrhizin content present in GGGE responsible for acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzyme modulatory activities. Therefore, GGGE could be used as a promising lead for further mechanistic and molecular studies for defining the role of glycyrrhizin in Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Celastrus paniculatus Wild.: a nootropic drug.

Celastrus paniculatus Wild is an evergreen climbing shrub. The plant is of great significance in the traditional Indian System of Medicine, such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. The seeds and their oil are extensively used to treat neurological disorders such as cognitive dysfunction, paralysis, epilepsy, insomnia, and other ailments like rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, and leprosy. This paper aims to highlight the nootropic activity of C. paniculatus and explore its phytochemistry, traditional uses, and other pharmacological activities. All available information concerning C.paniculatus has been searched in the internationally accepted scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Additional knowledge was gathered from the classical Textbooks and Unani Pharmacopoeia. C.paniculatus is a rich source of several secondary metabolites, such as β-Dihydroagarofuranoids sesquiterpenes, alkaloids (Celastrine, Celapanin, Celapagin, and paniculatin), flavonoids, terpenoid (β-amyrin, Lupeol, Pristimerin), sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, α-tocopherol, γ-Tocopherol), fatty acid (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic acids) and non-fatty acids (Benzoic acid, Cinnamic acid). The various study shows that the extracts and active constituent of this plant possess potent nootropic activity. Besides nootropic activity, it has also been reported for anti-Alzheimer, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, gastroprotective, anti-psoriatic, wound healing, antibacterial, antimalarial, and several other properties. Several in vitro and in vivo trials confirm the conventional use of C.paniculatus in cognitive dysfunction. However, the relations between the possible mechanisms of other activities and traditional uses of the C.paniculatus remain indistinct. Still, pharmacological studies also explored the effects of C.paniculatus, which were not recognized in ancient times, such as cytotoxic, ACE inhibitor, and antidiabetic activities. These discoveries are may be beneficial in the development of the new drug to treat various diseases. It is also confirmed that the β-dihydroagarofuranoids exhibit significant AChE inhibitory, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and insecticidal effects. This versatile medicine is truly a life elixir. Considering the therapeutic importance of the C.paniculatus and the absence of any reported clinical studies, extensive clinical trials are needed to explore its memory enhancing and other activities.

Two New Diterpenoids from Biscogniauxia sp. and Their Activities.

Two new diterpenoids, including a seco-isopimarane type (1) and an abietane type (2), were isolated from Biscogniauxia sp. (71-10-1-1). Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallography, 13C chemical shifts calculations, and ECD calculations. This is the first report of diterpenoids from Biscogniauxia sp. Furthermore, short-term memory enhancement against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of 1–2 were also evaluated. The results showed that compound 1 exhibited short-term memory enhancement activity against AD.