Neuroprotective role of Itrifal Muqawwi Dimagh, a Unani formulation in Al[Cl.sub.3] Induced cognitive impairment in Rats

Itrifal Muqawwi Dimagh (IMD) is a polyherbal Unani formulation used for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment in Unani system of medicine. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of therapeutic effective dose of IMD on Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced mild cognitive impairment in Wistar Rats. Itrifal Muqawwi Dimagh was received from CRIUM, Hyderabad. Male wistar rats were divided into four groups of five animals each. Group I (control) received distilled water, Group II-AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), group III-IMD (1027.77 mg/kg) +Al[Cl.sub.3] (100 mg/kg), Group IV-IMD (1027.77 mg/kg), orally for 30 days. Behavioural parameters were measured by assessment of transfer latency on elevated plus maze, step-down latency (SDL) in passive avoidance apparatus & acquisition retention on spatial navigation task in Morris water maze. An increase in time to reach platform in Morris water maze, decreased step-down latencies in passive avoidance test and increased transfer latency in Elevated plus maze test was observed, indicating learning and memory impairment in Al[Cl.sub.3] treated group. Chronic administration of IMD significantly improved Al[Cl.sub.3]-induced cognitive impairment, as evidenced by decreased time to reach platform in morris water maze, increased step down latency and decreased transfer latency. In conclusion, from the above results, it can be concluded that Itrifal Muqawwi Dimagh is effective in treatment of mild cognitive impairment at the Therapeutic effective dose.