Cognition-Enhancing Effect of Artemisia Pallens Leaf Extract Against Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Rats
Rishabh Tripathi1, Urvesh Singh Narwaria2
1Rishabh Tripathi, IPS College of Pharmacy, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India.
2Urvesh Singh Narwaria, IPS College of Pharmacy, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India.
Manuscript received on 16 July 2026 | First Revised Manuscript received on 20 July 2026 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 28 July 2026 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 August 2026 | Manuscript published on 30 August 2026 | PP: 8-11 | Volume-6 Issue-5, August 2026 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F411906061026 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.F4119.06050826
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© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Background: Cognitive impairment is a major feature of neurodegenerative disorders, with scopolamine widely used to induce experimental amnesia. Plant-derived phytochemicals are increasingly explored as safer alternatives to synthetic nootropics. Objective: To evaluate the cognition-enhancing potential of methanolic leaf extract of Artemisia pallens against scopolamine-induced amnesia in Wistar rats. Methods: A. pallens leaves were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with 80% methanol. Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), and total flavonoid content (AlCl₃ method) were determined. Rats were divided into five groups: vehicle, scopolamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.), A. pallens extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) + scopolamine, and piracetam (20 mg/kg, p.o.) + scopolamine. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze paradigm, with transfer latency as the behavioural index. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, proteins, and flavonoids. The extract showed high phenolic (71.53 ± 1.51 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (59.36 ± 0.64 mg QE/g) content. Scopolamine significantly impaired cognition, while A. pallens extract produced dose-dependent reductions in transfer latency (−41.7% and −50.8% at 24 h; −47.0% and −56.2% at 48 h for 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively). Piracetam showed the strongest effect (−55.1% at 24 h; −59.9% at 48 h). Conclusion: Artemisia pallens leaf extract exhibits significant cognition-enhancing activity, likely mediated by its phenolic and flavonoid constituents. It may represent a potential phytotherapeutic agent for managing memory deficits.
Keywords: Artemisia Pallens; Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia; Cognitive Enhancement; Elevated Plus Maze; Piracetam
Scope of the Article: Pharmacy Practice (pharmacist)