Learning and memory-enhancing effect of Bacopa monniera in neonatal rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning and memory-enhancing effect of Bacopa monniera in neonatal rats. Background: Learning is an acquisition and storage of information as a consequence of experience. Memory is a relatively permanent storage form of the learned information. In the process of 'learning', activation of neurons occurs in specific areas or specific memory systems of the brain concerned with the processing of the specific modality of sensory information. Rasayana plants are said to prevent ageing, re-establish youth, strengthen life, brain power and prevent diseases. Bacopa monniera(BM) is shown to be very useful in improving learning and memory. Methods: In the present study neonatal rat pups (10 days old) were given different doses of BM extract orally for different periods of time. These rats were then subjected to spatial learning (T- Maze) and passive avoidance tests along with the age matched normal and gum acacia control rats. The data were compared with those of control rats. Results: The results showed improvement in spatial learning performance and enhanced memory retention in neonatal rats treated with extract of BM. Conclusion: We conclude that treatment with BM extract during growth spurt period of neonatal rats enhances learning and memory.