Abstract

A progressive decline in memory with advancing age is an established fact. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Somina (herbal drug) on memory processes of rat. Somina (285 mg/kg-body weight) was administered orally in rats for 29 consecutive days. It is observed in the present study that Somina is responsible for the enhanced memory related behavior significantly in both male and female rats (p < 0.025 and p < 0.0005 respectively) measured by elevated plus maze activity. It is also observed that Somina increased the availability of tryptophan in brain and hence increases 5-hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin: 5HT). Therefore it is suggested that administration of somina strengthens all processes involved in memory and learned behavior.

Key words: Herbal medicine, tryptophan, serotonin, memory, elevated plus maze activity.