| Abstrakt: |
Sargassum ilicifolium (Turner) C. Agardh (SI) and Padina tetrastromatica (Hauck) (PT) are tropical and sub-tropical brown algae, found in the coastal region of India. In the present study, the cognitive enhancing activity of chloroform and ethanol extract of SI and PT (CSI, ESI & CPT, EPT) was investigated in scopolamine- induced amnesic mice using the Passive avoidance (PA) test. In addition, the effect on brain oxidative enzymes and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also evaluated using a spectrophotometer. The results of this study indicated that CSI (600 mg/kg), ESI (600 mg/kg), as well as CPT (600 mg/kg), significantly increased Step-Down Latency compared to scopolamine treated group, indicated that, CSI, ESI and CPT significantly (p < 0.01) reversed memory deficit produced by scopolamine. Further, administration of CSI (600 mg/kg), ESI (600 mg/kg), as well as CPT (600 mg/kg), produced a significant (p < 0.01) fall in Malondialdehyde and increased in Reduced glutathione activity, indicated that CSI, ESI, and CPT exert a protective effect against oxidative damage induced by scopolamine. Also, it was found that, CSI (600 mg/kg), ESI (600 mg/kg) and CPT (600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibit AChE activity. These findings resemble the effect of the standard anti-amnesic drug Piracetam. In conclusion, chloroform and ethanol extract of SI and PT shows significant cognitive-enhancing activities by the inhibition enzyme AChE and by the regulation of the oxidative enzymes in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice. However, further research is essential to explore the exact mechanism underlying this activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
