Studies on Nootropic Activity of Roots of Tylophora indica in Mice

The present work was designed to assess the potential of aqueous extract of Tylophora indica on cognitive functions in mice using elevated plus maze model and Morris water maze model. Piracetam (200 mg/kg) was used as a standard nootropic agent for comparison. The results of elevated plus maze model showed that, Tylophora indica extract treated mice at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, significantly (p<0.01) reduced the time required to find the closed arm compared to untreated mice. Further, the extract treatment at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, showed significant (p <0.01) improvement in scopolamine-impaired performance with respect to acquisition and retention of memory in spatial and working memory tests, in Morris water maze model. In conclusion, Tylophora indica appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory and it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in management of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.