Nootropic Activity of leaves of Prunella vulgaris

Nootropic activity of leaves of Prunella vulgaris was studied in mice. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce amnesia in mice. The ethanolic extracts of leaves of Prunella vulgaris PV (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated amnesic deficits induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and natural aging. PV (50 and 100 mg/kg) decreased the transfer latencies and in-creased step down latencies significantly in the aged mice and scopolamine induced amnesic mice as compared with Piracetam (100 mg/kg, i.p.). To delineate the possible mechanism through which P.Vulgaris elicits the anti-amnesic effects, we studied its influence on central cholinergic activity by estimating the whole brain acetylcholinesterase activity. P.vulgaris significantly decreased acetyl cholinesterase activity in mice. The results indicate that, the ethanolic extract of leaves of Prunella vulgaris might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly. The underlying mechanism of action can be attributed to its anti acetyl cholinesterase property.