ABSTRACT

The study was aimed at establishing the nootropic potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra using appropriate experimental model. Nootropic activity evaluation of Glabridin Rich Extract (GRE) of roots and stems of Glycyrrhiza glabra was carried out in rats using passive avoidance paradigm. In this model, scopolamine induced imbalance in the level of biochemical parameters like increase of lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase levels and decrease of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and dopamine levels leading to impairment in cognitive functions were normalized following administration of GRE. An enhancement in step down latency was also seen in scopolamine induced memory impairment following GRE treatment. The mechanism of such protection of Glycyrrhiza glabra may be due to reduction in anticholinesterase levels, monoamino oxidase inhibition and augmentation of cellular antioxidants. Our data suggests that Glycyrrhiza glabra is a screened candidate that deserves to be investigated further as an herbal alternative for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).