Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effects of Centella asiatica Against Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Objective: This study was conducted to show Neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Centella asiatica in scopolamine induced cognitive impairment in mice. The improvement of cognitive impairment with Centella asiatica was compared against standard drug (Donepezil 50 mu g/kg). Methods: Swiss albino mice (20-25 g) of either sex were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each. All the animals except the control group, received scopolamine (0.05 mg/kg) for 14 days. In day of 14th each animal was checked for cognitive impairment by using elevated plus maze (EPM). Dried powder of Centella asiatica (CA) was boiled with distilled water, cooled, filtered, placed on hotplate for complete evaporation, finally weighed and stored. The control group (Group1), scopolamine control (Group 2) test groups (CA-150 mg/kg as Group 3 & 300 mg/kg as Group 4) and standard drug (Group 5) received normal saline, Scopolamine, Centella asiatica (CA) extract (150 & 300 mg/kg + Scopolamine), donepezil (50 mu g/kg) respectively by oral feeding. The Neuroprotective effect was assessed by elevated plus maze (EPM). Institutional Ethical Committee approval was obtained before the start of the study. Results: In elevated plus maze (EPM) models, it implies that Centella asiatica (CA) 300 mg/kg (group IV) significantly (p < 0.001) decreases the retention transfer latency. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates statistically significant Neuroprotective activity of Centella asiatica (CA).