Effect of Centella asiatica fresh leaf aqueous extract on learning and memory and biogenic amine turnover in albino rats

Abstract

The effects of the aqueous extract of C,asiatica fresh leaves on learning and memory was studied in albino rats using two compartment passive avoidance task. The effect of this extract on the contents of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-HT in the brain and on the levels of their metabolites both in the brain and urine were also assessed. Significant imporvement was observed in the 24 h retention in the drug treated group compared to the saline administered controls. The concentration of NE, DA and 5-Ht and their metabolites in the brain were decreased significantly in the drug treated group. The wrinary metabolite levels were also significantly decreased except total 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG). These results indicate that C. asiatica causes an overall decrease in the turnover of central monoamines, implicating the involvement of NE, DA and 5-HT systems in learning and memory process.