The Cognitive-Enhancing Properties of the Aqueous Extract from the Fruits of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.

Introduction: Dementia is a progressive deterioration in cognitive abilities that hinders one's capacity to function independently. The present dementia treatment includes galantamine, rivastigmine, donepezil ,and memantine. However, they trigger many cardiovascular complications including syncopal episodes and myocardial infarction. Herbal medications are noted for their efficacy and absence of adverse pharmacological consequences. Hence the quest for herb-based medicines is happening. ‘Terminalia bellirica fruit pulp’ alleviates an array of illnesses. Aim: The ‘aqueous extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit pulp’ (AETBFP) was examined for cognitive-enhancing effects on rodents. Methods: Hebbs William and Elevated Plus Maze models were utilized to test the cognitive-enhancing properties of the fruit pulp. Forty-two Wistar rats were grouped into positive control (normal saline), negative control (scopolamine alone), standard (piracetam), and four test groups administered with the fruit extract at doses 143 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 334 mg/kg, and 334 mg/kg + Piracetam (600mg/kg) respectively. The animals received treatment for 14 days and on day 14 all the groups were administered scopolamine (1 mg/kg). Results: The four test groups (AETBFP 143 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 334 mg/kg, and 334 mg/kg + Piracetam) significantly decreased (p<0.05) the Time to reach the reward chamber in ‘Hebb’s William maze’ and the test groups (AETBFP 200 mg/kg, 334 mg/kg, and 334 mg/kg + Piracetam) significantly decreased (p<0.05) transfer latency in ‘elevated pluz maze’. A significant cognitive enhancing effect was reported with AETBFP which could be attributed to its antioxidant and neuroprotective action.