Memory Enhancing Activity of Eclipta Alba in Albino Rats: A Correlation with Anticholinesterase Activity

Abstract

Memory is the ability of an individual to record sensory stimuli and retain them over short or long periods of time and recall the same at a later date when needed. Short and long term memory loss may result from deteriorating cerebral mechanisms due to different causes having impact on the quality of life.Memory enhancer can improve thinking, memory, and alertness in people with Alzheimer’s disease that affect the mind. Indigenous drugs are being constantly explored for this purpose. Eclipta alba is being examined for its memory enhancing quality as it is traditionally used for this purpose. Ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba (EEEA) was evaluated for memory enhancing activity using rodent models. Piracetam was the standard drug used. EEEA was administered to albino rats to evaluate transfer Latency (TL) on an elevated plus maze (EPM). TL was a measure of acquisition and retrieval learning. Radial arm maze (RAM) was used to evaluate the latency to find the food. Also time taken to reach the reward chamber was calculated by using Hebb –Willium’s maze.Biochemical analysis was done for acetyl cholinesterase enzyme level. EEEA at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg produced a significant decrease in TL measured using EPM in comparison with the control. In RAM the activities of EEEA (100,200mg/kg ) showed significant memory enhancement. Time taken to reach the reward chamber is significantly decreased in test groups in comparison to control using Hebb – Willium’s maze. The increase in AChE activity by scopolamine was significantly reduced by EEEA (100 and200mg/kg p.o).