@article {2602, title = {Integrating Ancient Therapeutics into Nutraceutical Oral Films for Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s Neuroprotection}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2026}, month = {June 2026}, pages = {120-128}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {120}, abstract = {

Background: There are many popular neuroprotective medicinal plants mentioned in Indian traditional medicine systems which need to made available to Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s patients in suitable dosage form. Objectives: Herbal nutraceutical in the form of oral fast dissolving film (OFDF) containing bioactive enriched fractions of traditionally well-known Indian nootropic plants will enhance neuroprotective efficacy and quality of life of Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s patients. Materials and Methods: The standardized extracts of Centella and Bacopa are prepared and formulated into oral films which further evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters, stability, safety and behavioural animal studies. Results and Conclusion: The modernised dosage form of traditional medicines in the form of oral films found to reduce dosage frequency due to enhanced bioavailability of bioactive enriched herbal extracts and is easy for administration to Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s patients. Behavioural animal studies exhibited promising multitargeted neurocognitive efficacy of developed oral films.

}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, Bacopa monnieri, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Dementia, neurocognitive efficacy, Withania somnifera}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2026.18.125}, author = {Sharada L. Deore and Anjali A kide and Bhushan A. Baviskar and Bhavana A. Shende} } @article {2043, title = {Evaluation of Neuroprotective Efficacy of Indian Shankhpushpi Varieties in Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease {\textendash} North Vs South}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {June 2023}, pages = {372-377}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {372}, abstract = {

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 - 65ĚŠ 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{\textquoteright}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.

}, keywords = {Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s disease, Dementia, Scopolamine, Scopoletin., taraxerol}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.87}, author = {Sharada L. Deore and Anjali A. Kide and Bhushan A. Baviskar and Somshekhar S. Khadabadi and Bhavana A Shende} } @article {184, title = {Rasayana Herbs of Ayurveda to Treat age Related Cognitive Decline: An Update}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {Oct 2016}, pages = {411-423}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {411}, abstract = {

Introduction: Cognitive decline associated with aging could be minor or major neuro-cognitive disorder presenting with progressive intellectual deterioration interfering with day to day activities. Behaviour and personality changes may complicate the life in due course. Significant increase in global prevalence of people aged above 60 years has raised concerns on effective management of old age problems. Age related cognitive deficits and dementia raise to the level of epidemics and established management is yet underway. Principles of preventive health and rasayana (rejuvenative) herbs of Ayurveda are being extensively researched up on for their effectiveness in dementia. In this fourteen such herbs with anti dementia property are discussed with relevant research update. Methods: Herbs like amalaki (Emblica officinalis), hareetaki (Terminalia chebula), haridra (Curcuma longa), manduka parni (Centella asiatica), aindri (Bacopa monniera), yastimadhu (Glycirrhiza glabra), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pleuricaulis), vacha (Acorus calamus), jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculata), kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi), ashvagandha (Withania somnifera) and kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens (Linn.)) are already proven of their efficacy in experimental and preclinical levels. The contents and research evidences are collected from ayurveda database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda and Siddha and other authentic literature, Google scholar, Science direct, online and print journals. Discussion: The herbs in discussion mostly act on reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress injury by antioxidant properties and neuroprotective activity. Acetylcholine esterase inhibition, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate antagonism, Dopaminergic activity, Anti-amyloidogenic activity, Inhibition of Tau aggregation, neuroprotection and immune modulation are activity path ways. Tridosha namely Kapha, Pitta and Vata may be viewed to be categorically predominant in initial, middle and final stage of dementia. Selected herbs thus can be specific based on the pathology and relevant dosha predominance. Conclusion: Rasayana herbs with current updates and inferences can serve as an eye-opener for further researches at molecular and clinical aspect.

}, keywords = {Ayurveda, cognitive decline, Dementia, Herbs, Medhya, Rasayana.}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2016.5.1}, author = {Reena Kulkarni and Suhas Kumar Shetty and Rajarajeshwari N M and Prasanna Narasimha Rao and Nayan J} } @article {1494, title = {Pharmacological Evaluation of Cucumber for Cognition Enhancing Effect on Brain of Mice}, journal = {Pharmacognosy journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {8th April 2014}, pages = {100-107}, type = {Original Article}, abstract = {

Introduction: Cucumber is fruit of Cucumis sativus var. sativus L. which has been used traditionally in gastrointestinal problems, skin problems and as coolant in salad for body and brain. Cucumber is a great folk medicine used to reduce heat and inflammation. Cognitive effects of cucumber are assessed in this study. Methods: Fresh fruits of Cucumis sativus L. were ground and a paste was prepared which consisted of different concentrations of cucumber (10, 20, 30 \% w/w). The three doses were given ad libitum to mice for 15 successive days. Animal models utilized were sodium nitrite induced hypoxia and object recognition task. Biochemical analysis employed estimation of acetylcholinesterase activity in brain, serum glucose levels, cholesterol levels, brain lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione levels in brain of mice. Results: 6g/kg and 9g/kg doses of cucumber significantly (P\< 0.05, P\< 0.01) increased frequency of entry, number of entry and duration of entry in small compartment in sodium nitrite induced hypoxia model and depicted significantly (P\< 0.05, P\< 0.001) enhanced exploratory activity in object recognition task model. Further, biochemical analysis indicated good potential of cucumber in cognition enhancement. 9 g/kg dose (P\< 0.001) reduced brain AchE activity along with blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels. 6 g/kg dose (P\< 0.01) replenished brain GSH levels and reduced lipid peroxides. Conclusion: Cucumber increased cognition in rodents.

Key words: Hypoxia, object recognition task, acetylcholinesterase, glucose, cholesterol, dementia.

}, keywords = {Acetylcholinesterase, Cholesterol, Dementia, Glucose, Hypoxia, object recognition task}, author = {Manish Kumar, and Milind Parle} }