IN VIVO INVESTIGATION OF THE NEUROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM LINN.

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of Methanolic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum (MCH) against scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced neurotoxicity in brain of albino mice. Methods: The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum (MCH) on cognitive functions and anti cholinesterase activity. MCH in three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered daily for eight successive days to albino mice of either sex. Scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce amnesia in mice. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters using Piracetam (200 mg/kg, i.p.) as a standard nootropic agent. The effect of MCH on whole brain acetylcholinesterase activity was also evaluated. Results: MCH significantly improved learning and memory and reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine. It also significantly decreased whole brain acetyl cholinesterase activity. Conclusion: MCH might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in treatment of dementia seen in elderly.