Memory Enhancing Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Delonix regia Leaves against Scopolamine induced Amnesia in Swiss Albino Mice

In traditional system of medicine, various parts of Delonix regia have been used for many ailments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the memory enhancing activity of Ethanolic Extract of Delonix regia leaves (EEDRL) against scopolamine induced amnesia by using Elevated Plus Maze, Y Maze and Morris Water Maze Models. Ethanolic Extract of Delonix regia was prepared then subjected to phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, phenols and saponins. Acute oral toxicity was performed as per OECD guidelines 423. Based on this, two dose levels of EEDRL were chosen as 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for pharmacological screening. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups of six animals each. EEDRL at a dose levels 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg showed increase in inflexion ratio in Elevated Plus Maze, increase in Percentage alterations in Y Maze & decrease in Escape latency in Morris Water Maze Model compared to disease control in dose dependent manner which indicates that the EEDRL reverses the scopolamine induced amnesia in mice. The memory enhancing activity in mice might be due to facilitation of cholinergic transmission. Hence it can be concluded that Delonix regia appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory, and it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in the management of Alzheimer patient.