Anti-Radical and Neuroprotective Potential of Ficus infectoria in Scopolamine Induced Memory Impairment in Mice

Abstract

Ficus infectoria has a wide distribution in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Southwest China and Indochina and is an enrich source of phytochemicals thereby possess antibacterial, antifungal and hyperglycaemic activities. In this study, we attempted to examine the cognitive ability of methanolic and ethanolic extract of F. infectoria fruit extract in scopolamine induced memory impairment in mice by using preliminary phytochemical and antioxidant tests, and the cognitive ability of the methanolic and ethanolic fruit extract of F. infectoria. Fruit extract was analyzed in scopolamine amnesia mice using passive avoidance approach. Piracetam was used as a reference drug (200 mg/Kg). Further confirmation was provided by means of mice brain homogenate biochemical tests. Maximum phytochemical, antioxidant activity and nootropic ability were observed in the ethanolic fruit extract of F. infectoria. Plant extract was used at three doses i.e. 75 mg/Kg, 150 mg/Kg and 300 mg/Kg and exhibited nootropic abilities in all tests used. Enhanced SDL value i.e. (291.2 ± 0.33+++###) was observed by the administration of plant extract at all dose range in comparison to reference drug i.e. piracetam (252.8 ± 1.60###) used in the study. The plant extract utilization has showed increase in total protein (25.08 ± 0.26+++### mg/g of tissue) and reduced glutathione content (33.0 ± 0.46+++### nmoles/mg of protein) and vice versa while low malondialehyde (MDA) (9.18 ± 0.17+++### nmoles/mg of protein) and AChE activity (0.067 ± 0.009+++### M/min/g protein). However, opposite situation was observed in the scopolamine amnesia mice. Hence it was concluded the plant extract possessed neuroprotective activity in the scopolamine induced cognitive decline in mice thereby used as cost effective natural medicines in near future.