Objective: Memory impairment is one of distinctive traits related to Alzheimer’s disease. The Ayurveda prioritizes herbs for managing memory impairment. The phytoconstituents contained in Sterculia foetida and Chenopodium album have proved their ability against pathology, including oxidative stress and acetylcholine degradation, involved in memory loss. Therefore, the present study focused on evaluation of seeds of S. foetida, and aerial sections of C. album in the rat model, along with related biochemical parameters, for anti-Alzheimer potential.
Materials and methods: The plant materials were collected and authenticated, followed by extraction, fractionation, and identification of the chemical constituents. The exteroceptive behavioral models were chosen to evaluate memory impairment, and therefore, impact of the extracts on improvement of Alzheimer. Biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes were also observed.
Results: The study identified alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, amino acids, and proteins as the phytoconstituents contained in the plant material. Ethanolic extract of both the plant parts significantly improved memory in animal model, during object recognition, Morris water maze test, and elevated plus maze tests. The results of biochemical assays suggested inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation, and serum total cholesterol levels by the plant materials. Also, serum glucose, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities were elevated, and the histopathological reports clearly demonstrate decreased abnormalities in the hippocampus region of the test animal.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the aerial sections of C. album and the seeds of S. foetida displayed potential in a dose dependent manner, and therefore, were effective in alleviating Alzheimer’s-related memory and recognition disorders.