EVALUATION OF NOOTROPIC ACTIVITY OF VIGNA MUNGO LINN. ON SCOPOLAMINE INDUCED COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN MICE

ABSTRACT

Memory loss is universal and is the first symptom to manifest in majority of the patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This study is designed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Vigna mungo Linn., on learning and memory in mice. Learning and memory were evaluated using Elevated plus maze, Y- Maze and Morris Water Maze after the oral administration of two safe doses (200 mg\kg and 400 mg\kg) of ethanolic extract of Vigna mungo Linn., Piracetam is used as standard in all studies. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity (Ellman method) and antioxidant activity (DPPH Radical scavenging activity) were also estimated. Ethanolic extract of Vigna mungo Linn., produced significant improvement in memory score i.e. Escape latency in Morris Water Maze (P<0.001), % alternations in Y-Maze (P<0.001) and dose dependent improvement of transfer latency in Elevated Plus Maze model (P<0.001), Dose dependent inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase (P<0.05) and significant improvement in antioxidant levels were also noted. Memory enhancing potential of Vigna mungo Linn., can be attributed to its anti Acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant properties. Hence, dietary usage of Vigna mungo Linn., is beneficial and can also be employed as an adjuvant to existing anti-dementia therapies.

Key words: Vigna mungo Linn., dementia, antioxidant activity, learning, memory.