Screening of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Aerial Parts of Alternanthera sessilis Linn. R.br.ex.dc for Nootropic Activity

The objective of the present study is to investigate the nootropic activity of aqueous and 95% ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Alternanthera sessilis Linn. R.Br.ex.DC (Amaranthaceae). Alternanthera sessilis Linn, commonly known as sessile joy weed a well known herb with fleshy leaves. The herb is mainly used as cholagogue, galactogue, intellect promoting, strength, diarrhea, constipation, leprosy, skin disease and dyspepsia. The nootropic activity was assessed by recording the effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Alternanthera sessilis Linn in albino mice at about doses of 125 mg/kg body weight, 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight for a period of 9 days on transfer latency, number of entries in to an enclosed arm and duration of occupancy in the enclosed arm. Results showed significant improvement in the retention ability of the normal and amnesic mice as compared to their respective controls. The data emanated in the present study suggests improvement of cholinergic system or inhibition of acetyl choline esterase enzyme is responsible for nootropic activity. Thus we can conclude that Alternanthera sessilis Linn R.BR.ex. DC (Amaranthaceae) possesses potent nootropic activity.