Evaluation of nootropic activity of standardized Epipremnum aureum extract against scopolamine-induced amnesia in experimental animals

Various plant species of genus Epipremnum have already been reportedto have different types of pharmacological activities. However, another plant of the samegenus Epipremnum aureum has not been scientifically exposed to a significant extent todate. Although it contains many bioactives, it has only been studied for antidepressantactivity. The present study aims to evaluate the nootropic potential of standardized extractof Epipremnum aureum against scopolamine-induced amnesia in experimental animals. The nootropic potential of Epipremnum aureum was evaluated using an elevatedplus maze and Morris water maze apparatus. A dose of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg was usedto access the nootropic activity. Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) was used to induce amnesia inmice. Additionally, the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of the extract was evaluated bymeasuring the level of acetylcholinesterase in the mice brain. Epipremnum aureum was found to increase memory and reverse the amnesicaction of scopolamine in a dose-dependent manner. In elevated plus maze and Morriswater maze, Epipremnum aureum decreased the transfer latency as compared to the controlgroup. Further biochemical investigation revealed an increased level of acetylcholine anddecreased level of TBARS resulting in reversing the effect of scopolamine in amnesic mice. Epipremnum aureum showed positive results in reversing the amnesiaaction of scopolamine which may be the probable mechanism for its memory retentionactivity. Based on the experimental outcome, the present study provides a piece of scientificevidence for the nootropic potential of Epipremnum aureum in experimental animals.