Nootropic activity of Calotropis gigantea (Linn) root against scopolamine induce amnesia in albino rats

Objective: The current study investigated that defensive effect of methanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) roots on learning and memory functions in scopolamine induced memory deficits rats. Methods: In scopolamine (SCO) induced cognitive deficit rat model Wistar albino rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 8 groups (6 animals per group). After seven days of treatment animals were at once scarified, the estimation of markers of oxidative stress in the brain was measured. The protective and cognitive enhancing effects of MCGE on cognitive shortfall rats induced by scopolamine were investigated by assessing the elevated plus maze, the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test. In order to prove the underlying mechanisms of memory enhancing effects of MCGE, activities of AChE, oxidative stress markers such as GSH and MDA were measured. Results: MCGE at a dose 200 mg/kg may be useful for the cognitive improvement via regulation of cholinergic marker enzyme activities and the antioxidant defense system in SCO induced cognitive deficit rats. MCGE at a dose 200 mg/kg may be protective for the brain via antioxidant defense system in rats. Conclusion: These conclusions suggest the possible neuroprotective role for C. gigantea; therefore it seems that C. gigantea may show to be an anti Alzheimer mediator in view of its memory enhancing property observed in the present study.