Background: Memory is one of the most complex functions of the brain and involves multiple neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems. Xanthium strumarium Linn. is a plant mentioned in Indian literature has been described to use for improvement of memory. Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Xanthium strumarium leaves on learning and memory in mice. Materials and Methods: Eight days treatment of XSE (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) on learning and memory of aged mice were studied using elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigms. Effect of XSE on Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) induced amnesia was also studied in mice. To delineate the possible mechanism through which XSE elicits the anti-amnesic effects, we studied its influence on central cholinergic activity by estimating the whole brain acetylcholinesterase level in mice. Results: Pretreatment with XSE (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) augmented acquisition and retention of memory of learned task as evidenced by decreased transfer latency and increased step down latency in elevated plus maze model and passive avoidance model, respectively. XSE (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly attenuated amnesic deficits induced by scopolamine. XSE (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was significantly decreased brain acetylcholinesterase level in mice. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract Xanthium strumarium leaves has nootropic, antiamnesic and antiacetylcholinesterase activities and these actions are comparable to Piracetam, a known nootropic agent. Thus, present study substantiates the traditional claim of Xanthium strumarium use for improvement of memory.
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