Abstract
Cholinergic basis of memory improving effect of Ocimum tenuiflorum linn
1 Department of Pharmacognosy, SET's College of Pharmacy, S. R. Nagar, Dharwad-580 002, India 2 Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar-125 001, India
Correspondence Address:
H Joshi Department of Pharmacognosy, SET's College of Pharmacy, S. R. Nagar, Dharwad-580 002 India E-mail: amanjoshi17@yahoo.com
Dementia is one of the age-related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Nootropic agents are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Ethanol extract of dried whole plant of O. tenuiflorum Linn. ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging-induced memory deficits in mice. Passive avoidance paradigm served as the exteroceptive behavioural model. O. tenuiflorum extract increased step-down latency and acetyl cholinesterase inhibition significantly. Hence, O. tenuiflorum can be employed in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
