Nootropic activity of Ocimum gratissimum in Streptozotocin induced Amnesia

Male Swiss albino mice weighing about 25-30g were taken and amnesia was induced by injecting Streptozotocin (STZ) on 1 and 3 days (3mg/kg) bilaterally. After 5 days of injection the animals were treated with 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg (p.o) of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) extract for 2 weeks. Various behavioural parameters like Elevated plus Maze, Passive shock avoidance, Y-Maze tests were performed. Ocimum gratissimum improved learning and memory of mice as indicated by decreased transfer latency, increased step-down latency and increase in percentage alteration. Ocimum gratissimum extract has shown decreased levels of Acetylcholine esterase enzyme. The methanolic extract of the plant possessed anti-amnesic property at a dose level.