Abstract
Background: Saraca asoca flower (Roxb.) Wilde has been properly used in India for the treatment of uterine tonic and diabetes, and combination of flower and bark was used to treat some neurological disorders in Ayurvedic medicine. Our previous study on it showed a significant antiepileptic, antianxiety, and antidepressant activity; therefore, the present study is aimed to evaluate the memory-enhancing activity of S. asoca flower in animal models.

Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to study the evaluation of memory enhancement activity of ethanolic extract of S. asoca flower (Roxb.) Wilde (ESAF) in animal models.

Material and methods: Ethanolic extract of flower ESAF was prepared by incessant method using Soxhlet and cold evaporator apparatus with respected temperature. ESAF in the doses 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was administrated to albino mice by orally 7 days followed by evaluation for memory-enhancing activity using standard protocols of elevated plus maze and Morris water maze. The results are expressed as mean ± standard error mean. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance test followed by post-hoc Dunnett’s multiple comparison test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant (Graph Prism Pad Version 7.1).

Results: ESAF 50 and 100 mg/kg and standard piracetam (100 mg/kg) administered orally for 7 days protected the animals against scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment. In Morris water maze test, animals treated with ESAF 100 mg/kg and the piracetam showed a significant reduction in escape latency period.

Conclusion: ESAF showed significant learning and memory enhancement potential in animal models. The present study also concluded that the flower is a rich source of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, glycosides, and proteins, which may be attributed to its anti-amnesic effect.

Key words: Saraca asoca Flower; Elevated Plus Maze; Morris Water Maze; Scopolamine