Protection of zonisamide induced memory impairment by tulsi extract and piracetam on mice

Background: Memory impairment is the major adverse effects associated with antiepileptic drug therapy. This study was designed to assess the memory impairment activity of zonisamide (ZNS), an antiepileptic drug, in mice. Memory deficit potential of ZNS was compared with phenytoin (PHT), a standard antiepileptic known for its memory impairment activity. The protective effect of Ocimum sanctum extract (OS) and piracetam (PIR) on memory impairment induced by ZNS was also assessed. Materials and Methods: ZNS was administered orally for 29 days and the extent of memory deficit was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test on maximal electro shock-induced epileptic mice. The animals were observed for escape latency time (ELT) and time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ) on MWM test. The brain acetylcholinesterase level was estimated to determine the brain acetylcholine concentration. Result: Chronic administration of ZNS has shown memory deficit in mice and this was significantly restored by co-administration of OS extract and PIR. PIR showed best nootropic activity, whereas OS showed good nootropic as well as synergistic anti-convulsant activity. Conclusion: This study reveals that chronic administration of ZNS produces memory impairment in mice, which can be significantly minimized by co-administration of OS extract and PIR without compromising on ZNS antiepileptic potency. These results provide evidence for potential corrective effect of nootropics in cognitive deficit associated with ZNS.