Bacopa monniera Attenuates Scopolamine‐Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory in Mice

Abstract

Scopolamine, an anticholinergic, is an attractive amnesic agent for discerning the action of candidate antiamnesic drugs. Bacopa monniera Linn (Syn. Brahmi) is one such antiamnesic agent that is frequently used in the ancient Indian medical system. We have earlier reported the reversal of diazepam-induced amnesia with B. monniera. In this study we wanted to test if scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial memory can also be ameliorated by B. monniera using water maze mouse model. The objective of study was to study the effect of B. monniera on scopolamine-induced amnesia. We employed Morris water maze scale to test the amnesic effect of scopolamine and its reversal by B. monniera. Rotarod test was conducted to screen muscle coordination activity of mice. Scopolamine significantly impaired the acquisition and retrieval of memory producing both anterograde and retrograde amnesia. Bacopa monniera extract was able to reverse both anterograde and retrograde amnesia. We propose that B. monniera's effects on cholinergic system may be helpful for developing alternative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Protective effect of a calcium channel blocker “diltiazem” on aluminum chloride-induced dementia in mice

“…Furthermore, no per se effects are seen on acquisition and retrieval in comparison to the normal group. These results agree with the results of previous studies done in other laboratories (Kumar et al 2011;Saraf et al 2011). AlCl 3 (300 mg/kg; p.o.)…”

“…Morris water maze test was employed to access the learning and memory of mice (Morris 1984;Saraf et al 2011). Morris water maze is a swimming-based model where the animals learn to escape on to a hidden platform.…”

Molecular Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease: An Update

“…Some triterpenoid saponins have shown to reduce scopolamine-induced amnesia [6][7][8] and non-selective and selective muscarinic agonists have shown to improve learning and memory. Selective M1 muscarinic agonists are a pivotal target that link major hallmarks of AD.…”

Neuroprotective Effects of Momordica Charantia on Scopolamine Induced Alzheimer’s Disease

“…The time spent by the animal, searching for the missing platform in target quadrant Q2 with respect to other quadrant (Q1, Q3, and Q4) on 5th day, was noted as an index of retrieval. For studying the effect of drug on acquisition, the drug solution was administered before acquisition trial (Goverdhan p et al, 2012, Saraf M. K et al,2011.…”