SHODHANA DECREASES NOOTROPIC ACTIVITY OF SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the nootropic activity of methanolic extract of pre-shodhit and shodhit Semecarpus anacardium (SA) nuts and to observe the effect of shodhana on nootropic activity of SA. Methods: Spatial learning and working memory was considered for evaluation. The parameters used were spontaneous alternation behavior (Y-maze), number of correct responses (radial maze), and transfer latency in day 1 (elevated plus maze). Scopolamine, an anticholinergic drug, was used to induce cognitive deficit. % inhibition of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) was measured in vitro. Results: Both pre-shodhit and shodhit drug reversed the scopolamine-induced a decrease in percentage spontaneous alternation behavior in Y-maze and number of correct responses in radial maze. Scopolamine-induced increase in transfer latency in elevated plus maze was significantly decreased by pre-shodhit drug only. Shodhit drug has no significant effect on transfer latency. Both pre-shodhit and shodhit drug showed dose-dependent inhibition of AChE activity in vitro. Pre-shodhit drug showed a more nootropic activity than shodhit drug. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of the nuts of S. anacardium possesses nootropic activity which may be attributed to inhibition of cholinesterase activity. Shodhana of the nuts decreases nootropic activity. Keywords: Semecarpus anacardium, Acetylcholine esterase, Shodhana, Nootropic.