LEARNING AND MEMORY ACTIVITY OF BRAHMI VATI BY USING MORRIS WATER MAZE MODEL – AN IN-VIVO STUDY

Shahistaheena^*, K. A. Patil, Rahimbi Khazi

Introduction: Learning and memory are vital cognitive functions that depend on Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti as described in Ayurveda. Modern lifestyle stress and psychological disturbances adversely affect these functions, leading to cognitive impairment. Medhya Rasayana drugs are traditionally advocated for enhancing intellect and memory. Brahmi Vati, a classical Ayurvedic formulation is commonly prescribed for cognitive enhancement, yet experimental evidence supporting its efficacy is limited. The present study was designed to evaluate the learning and memory enhancing activity of Brahmi Vati in experimental study. Brahmi Vati is one among the Medhya dravya mentioned by Ayurveda Sara Sangraha in Gutika Vati Prkarana. Materials and Methods: Brahmi Vati, Piracetam, Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, drugs as Test drug, Standard drug, Control drug, And for Memory impairment Scopolamine Hydrobromide and 18 male Albino rats form the materials for the study. In Three groups, as Standard group- Piracetam (17.28mg / 200g body wt + 1mL CMC), in Test group- Brahmi Vati (13.5mg/ 200g body wt + 1mL CMC) and in Control group- Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (1mL/ 200g body wt) was administered for 6 days period. Analysis was done by using Morri’s water maze model and results of ITL (Initial Transverse latency), RTL (Retention Transverse latency) were used for Statistical analysis. Results: The result indicates the Brahmi Vati might play a significant role to enhance spatial learning and memorizing behaviour of rat which has shown improvement trend towards memory and learning. Discussion: The study indicates that use of Brahmi Vati had significant encouraging effect for cognitive enhancing by the Enhancement of Spatial learning and memory in scopolamine treated rat, possibly because of the combined action of ingredients of Medhya Rasayana which were well known for antioxidant and neuro-protective activity.