title: Investigation of neuropsychopharmacological effects of a polyherbal formulation on the learning and memory process in rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the neuropsychopharmacological effect of a polyherbal formulation (PHF) on the learning and memory processes in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  PHF contains Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi), Rauwolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha), Evolvulus alsinoides (Shankhpushpi), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Emblica officinalis (Amalki), Mucuna pruriens (Kauch bij extract), Hyoscyamus niger (Khurasani Ajmo), Mineral resin (Shilajit), Pearl (Mukta Shukhti Pishti), and coral calcium (Praval pishti). Its effect (500 mg / kg, p.o.) on the learning and memory processes was tested. The activity of PHF on memory acquisition and retention was studied using passive avoidance learning and elevated plus maze model (EPM) in rats.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The animals treated with PHF showed a significant decrease in transfer latency as compared to the control group in EPM. PHF also produced significant improvement in passive avoidance acquisition and memory retrieval, as compared to the controls and reduced the latency to reach the shock free zone (SFZ) after 24 hours.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PHF produces significant improvement in passive avoidance acquisition and memory retrieval in rats, which needs further investigation.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Shri Sarvajanik Pharmacy College, Mehsana, India.
authors: Js
authors: J
authors: Shah
authors: Rk
authors: R
authors: Goyal