Effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis and Omega-3 Fatty Acid alone and in Combination on Learning and Memory

Introduction: Mental disorders contribute to a significant load of morbidity and disability. In neurological disorders, alternative medicine use is common due to their fewer side-effects. There are scant evidences regarding the role of Convolvulus pluricaulis (C. pluricaulis) and Omega (?)-3 fatty acids in learning and memory, and none for their combined effect.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of C. pluricaulis alone and in combination with Omega-3 fatty acids.

Materials and Methods: The present study was an animal study done on Wistar rats. C. pluricaulis whole plant powder in doses of 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) and 400 mg/kg b.w. was used. Omega-3 fatty acid (500 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally alone and along with a higher dose of C. pluricaulis. Scopolamine induced model for amnesia in rats was used in the study and donepezil was taken as standard. Apart from the behavioural analysis, Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) estimation in rat’s whole brain tissue was done using spectrophotometry.

Results: C. pluricaulis showed significant memory enhancement in a dose dependent manner (100 mg/kg b.w. and 400 mg/kg b.w.) alone and in combination (C. pluricaulis 400 mg/kg b.w.) with ?-3 fatty acid in dose of 500 mg/kg b.w.

Conclusion: The combination of C. pluricaulis and ?-3 fatty acid showed greater significant effect as compared to alone which was comparable to standard drug.The encouraging results reveal the importance of herbal drugs and nutrients in cognition improvement.