Memory Enhancing Efficacy of an Ayurvedic Polyherbal Formulation on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficit Experimental Models

The present study was performed to determine the efficacy of an ayurvedic polyherbal formulation (PHF) in the learning and memory process of animal models. The prepared PHF was a suspension of three plant extracts i.e. Alpinia galanga (AG), Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and Convolvulus pluricaulis (CP) along with other excipients. Learning and memory assessment of PHF was performed using different behavioral models in scopolamine-induced memory impairment animals. Biochemical estimation was performed to determine the enzymatic level of MDA, GSH and AChE level in rats. Results indicated that the time of social investigation trial 2 (SIT2) was reduced significantly compared to SIT1 due to the treatment of PHF. In the water maze test, plant extracts significantly decreased the latency time in the 4^th and 5^th sessions comparing to session 1. Administration of AG, CP, GG, and PHF caused amelioration of scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the MWM test. The extracts and PHF were also effective in reducing latency time in the pole climbing test. Biochemical parameters exhibited a reduction in MDA and AChE levels with an increase in GSH level after treatment with extracts and PHF. It can be concluded from the study that PHF is an effective formulation for learning and memory processes against scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Further, the isolation of active constituents is desired from different plant extracts.