The cognitive-enhancing activity of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum in mice

Abstract

Cognitive effect of hydromethanolic leaf extract of O. gratissimum (HMOG) was evaluated in mice. Twenty four male mice weighing between 25-30 g were randomly assigned into four groups of 6 mice each. Group 1 received distilled water and served as control, group 2, 3 and 4 received 10 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) of Ginkgo biloba (standard drug), 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. of HMOG respectively for 21 consecutive days. Data were analyzed using one-way and student`s t-test, where p< 0.05 was considered significant. Qualitative phytochemical screening of HMOG done indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides and tannins. The cognitive indices: latency to alternate and percentage spontaneous alternation (% SA) showed a significant decrease (p< 0.001) respectively when compared with the control and the standard drug group. This study concluded that HMOG improved cognition in mice which may be attributed to the phytochemicals in the extract.