Evaluation of Neuroprotective Efficacy of Indian Shankhpushpi Varieties in Alzheimer’s disease – North Vs South

Background: Shankhpushpi is a well-known Ayurvedic memory enhancing medicine associated with controversy. Among the various varieties, Convolvulus pleuricaulis and Clitorea ternatia are widely used in commercial memory enhancing formulations under the name of Shankhpushpi. Convolvulus pleuricaulis is recognized as true shankhpushpi in North side of India, however in southern part of India, Clitorea ternatia is accepted as Shankhpushpi. Objectives: The present study aims to compare neuroprotective efficacy of C. pleuricaulis and C. ternatea by in vitro, in vivo methods and establish scientifically validated data to choose appropriate shankhpushpi variety for commercial use. Materials and Methods: Both herbs were extracted in the Soxhlet apparatus with 70% ethanol for 5 - 6 hours at 60 - 65̊ C. The presence of neuroprotective principles - taraxerol and scopoletin in extracts was confirmed by the Thin Layer Chromatography. The preliminary screening for neuroprotective efficacy of extracts was done by in vitro free radical scavenging, Acetyl cholinesterase enzyme inhibition and LOX enzyme level estimation. Invivo study of extracts included behavioral assessment of adult rats by Y maze, Morris water maze using scopolamine induced Alzheimer’s disease like model. Result: Extracts of both C. pleuricaulis and C. ternatea significantly scavenged free radicals, inhibited acetyl cholinesterase and LOX enzyme in vitro. But in in-vivo study, significant retention of spatial and working memory was observed in rats administered with C. pleuricaulis as compared to C. ternatea. Conclusion: C. pleuricaulis more significantly shields against memory loss and dementia by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and memory impairment. Hence should be used in commericial neuroprotective formulation as chief source of Shankhpushpi instead of C. ternatea.