Abstract

EVALUATION OF PUNICA GRANATUM LEAVES EXTRACT IN SCOPOLAMINE INDUCED LEARNING AND MEMORY IMPAIRMENT IN MICE

Nidhi Chaudhary*, Harmeet Singh

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) leaves extract on learning and memory functions in scopolamine induced learning and memory impairment in mice. Memory enhancing activity of Punica granatum in scopolamine induced amnesic mice was investigated by using elevated plus maze and morris water maze. AchE activity, SOD, lipid peroxidation, glutathione level of brain homogenate was performed in control/ scopolamine/ standard / Punica granatum leaves extract treated mice. Material and methods: A total of 36 mice weighing about 25-30 g were randomized into 6 equal groups as follows: received normal saline, Scopolamine treated group (0.4 mg/kg i.p.) on 21th day, Piracetam treated group (200 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 day + scopolamine on 21th day, Punica granatum leaves extract treated groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 21 days + scopolamine on 21th day. Result: Administration of Punica granatum leaves extract significantly restored learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine in the Morris water maze and Elevated plus maze, reduction in AchE activity, increased activity of brain antioxidant enzyme such as SOD, glutathione and also reduced the increased activity of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: Punica granatum leaves extract has improving effect on learning and memory impairment produced by scopolamine and may have beneficial effect in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and amnesia.

Keywords: Punica granatum, AchE, Piracetam, scopolamine and antioxidant.