Abstract

EVALUATION OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT POTENTIAL OF HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS AGAINST MEMORY IMPAIRMENT IN MICE

Karunakar Hegde*, Sharadhi M and Bindiya

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate the cognition enhancement potentials of Hylocereus undatus (HU) fruit against memory impairment in mice. The cognitive-enhancing activity of aqueous extract of Hylocereus undatus fruit on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice was investigated by using behavioural parameter viz, Morris water maze (MWM), Passive shock avoidance paradigm (PSAP) and estimation of the biochemical parameter in terms of AchE activity. Two doses of extract (250mg/kg) and (500mg/kg, p.o) were subjected for the study against experimentally induced Alzheimer’s disease in mice using scopolamine (0.4mg/kg, i.p) in young mice. Piracetam (400mg/kg, i.p) was served as standard in both the models. The long-term administration of both the low (250mg/kg) and high dose (500mg/kg) of extract produced a significant reduction in escape latency time (ELT) and an increase of time spent in the target quadrant (TSTQ) in MWM. Also significant increase in step down latency (SDL) in the PSAP model on both the 19th and 27th days when compared with control and induced groups. The extract at higher dose significantly reduced the activity of Ache in the brain indicates the improvement in learning and retention of memory in young mice. The present study concluded that aqueous extract of Hylocereus undatus was found to be effective against amnesia.

Keywords: Hylocereus undatus, Nootropic, Piracetam, Scopolamine.