Nootropic Studies of Ethanolic Extract of Mimosa pudica Linn. in Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: To evaluate the neuropharmacological parameters of the ethanolic extract of Mimosa pudica (M.pudica) Linn. (EEMP) in albino wistar rats. “Nootropics” are agents that enhance the cognitive skills. Learning and memory can be conceived as both a psychological process, as well as a change in synaptic neural connectivity. Hardly there are a few medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease and are having harmful effects. So to overcome the harmful effect and to develop a cost effective method this study is selected. To overcome the unwanted effect of synthetic medicines and to develop a cost effective method for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Methodology: EEMP went for preliminary phytochemical screening. The nootropic studies in both acute & chronic models of amnesia, induced by scopolamine & AlCl3 respectively with elevated plus maze & object recognition procedures were done. The Inflexion ratio (IR) specific for sustained memory and Discrimination index (DI), specific for selective memory were assessed respectively from the above tests. Observations were expressed in mean ± SEM and the statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's Multiple Comparison Test.
Results and Discussion: The preliminary phytochemical screening of EEMP confirmed the presence of flavanoids, phenolic compounds etc. which may be responsible for the antioxidant effect. The nootropic studies observed statistical significance in AlCl₃ model.
Conclusion: The study confirmed the nootropic (cognition enhancement) activity of EEMP, which may be due to the presence of flavanoids and the reported activity may be attributed to its antioxidant property,

Author(s): Sibi P Ittiyavirah & Delphia P George

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