Pharmacological evidences for antiamnesic potentials of Phyllanthus amarus in mice

Abstract

Phyllanhus amarus (PAs) is commonly known as Bhumi amla and is traditionally used since centuries in ayurveda. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of PAs on cognitive functions and brain cholinesterase activity in mice. PAs (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced a dose- dependent improvement in memory scores of young and older mice. PAs also reversed successfully the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Interestingly, brain cholinesterase activity was also reduced. The underlying mechanism of action for the observed nootropic effect may be attributed to pro-cholinergic activity exhibited by PAs in the present study. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to explore the therapeutic potential of PAs in the management of patients with cognitive disorders. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 10: 165 - 173