Evaluation of nootropic activity of Sida cordifolia in mice

Abstract

Introduction: In the present study, nootropic effect of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Sida cordifolia (AESC and EESC, respectively) was investigated in mice using transfer latency (TL) and step-down latency (SDL) tests. S. cordifolia is a well-known Ayurvedic plant which has been administered anciently for the various nervous disorders including loss of memory. Materials and Methods: Varying doses (50, 100, 250 mg/kg; p.o.) of AESC and EESC were administered along with standard drug (donepezil; 5 mg/kg) for 15 successive days to different groups. They were subjected TL and SDL tests on the 16th day. Results: EESC dose dependently increased the SDL and decreased the TL in mice as compared to control group, and this effect was comparable to the standard drug. No significant effect on TL and SDL was observed following varying dose treatment of AESC. Conclusion: These findings suggest the nootropic effect of EESC and predict its scope in the possible treatment of diseases associated with memory dysfunctions such as Alzheimer’s disease