Cognition boosting effect of Canscora decussata (a South Indian Shankhpushpi)

Aim of the studyIn southern India, ayurvedic practitioners traditionally employ the whole herb of Canscora decussata Schult. (CD) (Gentianaceae) as a traditional ayruvedic medicine, Shankhpushpi for its memory potentiating, anxiolytic and tranquilizing properties. The present study investigated the effect of CD, which is regarded as Shankhpushpi, for its effects on learning and memory in rodents. The extract was further studied for its in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential which can correlate with its cognition boosting effect.Materials and methodsEthanol extract of CD was analyzed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethanol extract of CD was investigated for its AChE enzyme inhibitory activity. Nootropic activity using Elevated plus maze apparatus, passive avoidance (Cook and Weidley's pole climbing, step down) paradigms and active avoidance (two compartment shuttle box) test were used to learning and memory.ResultsHPTLC and HPLC fingerprinting of ethanol extract revealed presence of mangiferin as its main constituent. It was found that CD potentially inhibits AChE with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 165.667 ± 0.213 μg/ml. It was found that groups (n = 6), receiving ethanol extract in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. significantly reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg i.p.). Nootropic activity was compared using piracetam (100 mg/kg p.o.) as the standard.ConclusionEthanol extract of CD showed significant effects on learning behavior and memory enhancement as evidenced from the experiments performed. The activity may be attributed to the presence of various xanthones and mangiferin, a polyphenolic xanthone.