Screening of the Ethanolic Extract of Rhizomes of Alpinia Galanga (Linn.) On Nootropic and its Influence on Brain Cholinergic System in Rats

Loss of memory is the major disorder in the modern world. In ayurvedic system of medicine rhizomes of Alpinia galanga linn. family Zingiberaceae is used as a brain tonic and nervine tonic. But since its effect on learning and memory is not scientifically documented. The present study was carried out to assess the effects of ethanolic extract of Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga Linn. on memory deficits caused by MES and Scopolamine in rats. In Albino rats of either sex, amnesia was induced by subjecting to MES (150mA for 0.2s) through corneal electrodes or administration of Scopolamine (0.3mg/kg i.p) for seven days. Ehanolic extract of Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga Linn. (500mg/kg, p.o) was evaluated for its nootropic activity in terms of Transfer Latency (TL) by using elevated plus maze and step down passive avoidance test. Rats were sacrificed at the end of study and Acetyl Cholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity was estimated. The extract showed significant improvement in ‘learning’ and ‘memory’ as compared to ‘control’ group in all the models and also showed significant reduction in ‘acetylcholine-esterase activity’. The present study indicate that treatment with Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga Linn. extract enhances the memory function and this could be mediated through brain cholinergic system.