Anti-Amnesic Activity of Vitex Negundo in Scopolamine Induced Amnesia in Rats

In the present study we investigated the anti-amnesic activity of Vitex negundo in scopolamine induced amnesia in rats. Wistar rats (180-200 g) were trained on active avoidance task. Each animal received session of 15 trials with inter trial duration of 15 s for 5 days. Scopolamine (3 mg/kg, i.p) was administered at different time periods on the basis of stages of memory i.e acquisition, consolidation and retention in different groups (n = 6). Effect of Vitex negundo extract was evaluated and compared to a standard drug, Donepezil. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in the avoidance response on the 5 session has been observed as compared to 1 session in control group. Scopolamine treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the avoidance response compared to control. Extract treated groups shown significant (p < 0.05) increase in number of avoidance responses as compared to scopolamine treated groups. Increased oxidative stress in brain after scopolamine treatment, as observed by increase in MDA & decrease in GSH & SOD, was lowered in the groups treated with extracts. AChE activity was also improved after V. negundo treatment. Results of the study have shown that V. negundo treated groups decrease the phenomenon of amnesia by increasing learning of memory through antioxidant effect and decreasing AChE activity.