Effect of Bacopa monniera Linn. (brahmi) extract on learning and memory in rats: A behavioral study

Extracts of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi, BM), a traditional ayurvedic medicine, have been reported to have memory-enhancing effects in animals. However, there are no studies in which different dosages or chronic use have been explored. The current study examined the effects of standardized extract of BM on behavioral changes of Wistar rats when administered the extract for various durations and in varying doses. We divided the animals into 2-, 4-, and 6-week treatment groups. Rats in each of these groups were divided into 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg dose groups (n = 8 for each dose). After the treatment period, the rats, along with age-matched normal and gum acacia control rats, were subjected to spatial learning (T-maze) and passive avoidance tests. The data were compared with those of age-matched control rats. The study was conducted at the Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India. The results showed improvement in spatial learning performance and enhanced memory retention in rats treated with BM extract. These results clearly indicate that oral administration of BM extract improved learning and memory in rats.