Cognitive Enhancing, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase and Antioxidant Properties of Tagetes erecta against Diazepam Induced Amnesia in Rodents.
Oxidative stress can be involved in cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Diazepam (DZP) administration has been chosen to simulate the memory impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate Anti-amnesic activity of methanolic extract of Tagetes erecta flower heads using in-vitro and in-vivo models. The extract was also evaluated for its anti-oxidant potential. Anti-amnesic activity of the extract was screened by using diazepam induced (acute) amnesic model using actophotometer and cook’s pole climbing apparatus. In-vitro anticholinesterase (AChE) using Ellman’s assay was estimated. Anti-oxidant potential of the extract was evaluated by using reducing power and lipid peroxidation assays. The acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg bd. wt. The METE at two doses levels 200 and 400 mg/kg bd. wt reversed the memory deficit induced by diazepam in mice models. The extract significantly scavenged the free radicals in dose dependant manner. The presence of active constituents like flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids and phenols in methanolic extract of flower heads of Tagetes erecta might be responsible for its anti-amnesic, anti-cholinesterase and anti-oxidant activity.