Nootropic activity of lipid‐based extract of Bacopa monniera Linn. compared with traditional preparation and extracts

Objectives The aim was to design an alternative solvent‐free extraction method using the hydrophilic lipid Gelucire (polyethylene glycol glycerides) for herbal extraction and to confirm the efficacy of extraction using biological screening. Methods Bacopa monniera Linn. (BM) was selected for the study. Conventional methanolic extract (MEBM), Ayurvedic ghrita (AGBM) and lipid extracts (LEBM) were prepared and standardised by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC). Nootropic activity in rats was evaluated using the two‐trial Y‐maze test and the anterograde amnesia induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.) determined by the conditioned avoidance response. The extracts were administered daily at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally. At the end of the conditioned avoidance response test, brain monoamine levels were estimated by HPLC. Key findings The LEBM, MEBM and AGBM contained 3.56%, 4.10% and 0.005% bacoside A, respectively. Significantly greater spatial recognition was observed with LEBM ( P < 0.001 at 400 and 200 mg/kg) and MEBM ( P < 0.001 at 400 mg/kg, P < 0.01 at 200 mg/kg) than AGBM. The conditioned avoidance response was significantly higher in the groups treated with high doses of LEBM and MEBM than AGBM. There were significant decreases in brain noradrenaline ( P < 0.001) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine ( P < 0.01) levels and an increase in dopamine levels ( P < 0.05) in the LEBM‐treated groups compared with the stress control group. Conclusions The proposed LEBM is solvent free, does not have the shortcomings associated with conventional extraction, and had comparable nootropic activity to the MEBM.