Evaluation of Nootropic Activity of Leaf Extract of Anacardium occidentale L.

One of the plants that have been used for enthno medicinal purposes in traditional civilization is Anacardium occidentale L. of the family Anacardiaceae is native to Brazil also found in tropical countries such as Malaysia and India commonly known as cashew. The purpose of this study is to determine the in-vitro and in-vivo cognitive effects of an ethanolic leaf extract of the herb Anacardium occidentale on albino rats. Orally the ethanolic extract was administered in two doses (100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). The Elevated Plus maze and Y-maze showed statistically significant improvement in the memory process. The estimation of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in rats brain also shows improvement in the memory process by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. Disorders related to cognition are one of the major health problems and increasing day by day especially affecting the elder individual. There is no proper medication for the impairment of memory. The study reveals that the ethanolic extract of the leaf of Anacardium occidentale has dose-dependent memory-enhancing performance. Synthetic drugs have a lot of side effects, whereas drugs belongs to natural substances have least side effect compared to synthetic one, which has gained a lots of importance. These studies need to be documented effectively. Research findings were contributed to meet the future needs in general healthcare, research, and conservation of endangered species and may give a lead to the discovery of newer drugs.