Nootropic potential of Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum leaves on mice

Objective: To ascertain the nootropic potential (memory enhancing effects) of the leaves of\udAlternanthera sessilis (Amaranthaceae) and Clerodendrum infortunatum (Verbenaceae) using\udrectangular maze and Y maze (interoceptive behavioral models) Methods: Methanolic extracts\udof leaves Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum dosed at 100 and 200 mg/kg each\udwere administered to adult Swiss albino Wistar mice and the effect on acquisition, retention\udand retrieval of spatial recognition memory was determined. Bacopa monniera extract was used\udas the standard drug while Scopolamine hydrobromide served as the amnestic agent. Results:\udThe higher doses of both the extracts exhibited a more promising nootropic potential. Maximal\udresponse was observed in the 200 mg/kg dose of Clerodendrum infortunatum methanolic extract,\udwhich closely approximated the results for the standard drug Brahmi. Both the higher doses\udelicited greater responses in both the models studied and were comparable to that achieved with\udthe standard drug. Conclusions: The methanolic extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum afforded\udgreater memory enhancing effects in comparison to Alternanthera sessilis extract, the higher dose\udevoking pronounced alteration behavior and better learning assessments