EFFECTS OF CURCUMA LONGA LINN. ON ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT) INDUCED RETROGRADE AMNESIA
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Curcuma longa Linn. on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) induced retrograde amnesia and its nootropic activity in rats. Sixteen male Albino-Wistar rats randomized into control and test groups received methylcellulose (0.5%, 2ml/kg, p.o) and Curcuma longa Linn. (60 mg/kg, p.o) respectively for 7 days. Elevated plus maze (EPM) used to evaluate the effects of drugs in rats. Baseline Transfer Latency (TL) compared to TL before ECT for improvement in learning and memory. TL 24 hours after ECT compared to TL before ECT for protective effect on ECT induced retrograde amnesia. Compared to baseline, mean TL before ECT significantly decreased within the test (38.8±18.8 vs. 18.6±8seconds; p=0.038) and control groups (41.0±21.5 vs. 21.1±13.7seconds; p<0.033). There was no significant difference in TL between groups (p=0.674). After ECT administration, mean TL in control and test groups were 19.2±12.8 and 12.5±2.9seconds respectively. Compared to TL before ECT, the decrease in TL after ECT between the groups was not statistically significant (p=0.256). But within the group, the test group rats showed a trend towards attaining protection against ECT induced retrograde amnesia (p=0.07) as compared to the control group (p=0.272). Curcuma longa Linn. may be useful in attenuating ECT induced retrograde amnesia. Further dose-ranging preclinical studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of Curcuma in protecting against ECT induced cognitive dysfunction.
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