A comparative evaluation of memory enhancing ability of Ocimum species

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Plants are valued greatly as enhancers of cognitive functions. Plants rich in polyphenols hold great promise for management of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, some common polyphenol-rich Ocimum species i.e. O. basilicum, O. gratissimum and O. sanctum were examined for their anti-amnesic potential. The extracts of the three selected species were examined employing in-vitro tests to determine their antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase capacity. On the basis of in-vitro results, the most active extract was further investigated for the memory enhancing activity using a mouse model of dementia. Ocimum basilicum extract had the highest total phenol content and demonstrated the most significant in-vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. In the in-vivo studies, treatment with O. basilicum extract for 7 days improved memory impairment induced by scopolamine in animals along with significant reduction in AChE activity and oxidative stress parameters (reduced TBARS levels and increased GSH activity) in hippocampus and cortex region of brain. This may be developed as a cognition enhancer after detailed testing.