The Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Conventional Herbs Used As Nervine Tonic On Alzheimer's Like Dementia And Commonly Available As Memory Medha Syrup In India

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 25 million people worldwide and accounts for 50-70% of all dementia cases. Current Alzheimer's disease treatment options only provide symptomatic relief, prompting the discovery of new medications with fewer adverse effects and side effects, economically beneficial and can be used for chronic consumption with more compatibility. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of an Ayurvedic formulation (AF) in protecting against sodium azide-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Sodium azide is known to cause neurodegeneration by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase activity. The rats were treated with sodium azide along with AF for three weeks, and their memory and locomotion were assessed. The results showed that sodium azide administration led to memory impairment, elevated acetylcholinesterase activity, elevated cytokine levels and increased oxidative damage. However, chronic administration of AF significantly improved memory performance, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, reduced cytokine levels and also improved the oxidative damage. These findings indicate that AF has neuroprotective effects against cognitive impairment and oxidative damage induced by sodium azide.