Standardization and Ameliorative effect of Kalyanaka ghrita in β-amyloid induced memory impairment in wistar rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Kalyanaka ghrita (KG) is an Ayurvedic formulation traditionally used in the treatment of Daurbalya (debility) and Smritidaurbalya (impairment of intellectual activities). Clinical studies have reported the effect of KG in the treatment of Manasmandata or Buddhimandyata which is associated with impaired learning, social adjustment and maturation.

Aim Of The Study: The present study aims to standardization of KG and validation of its use in experimental models of neurodegeneration.

Materials And Methods: KG was Standardized for biomarkers curcumin, gallic acid, tannic acid, chebulagic acid, and berberine. In male wistar rats, neurodegeneration was induced by administration of intracerebroventricular Amyloid β (Aβ). The effect of KG (oral and intranasal treatment) was evaluated through behavioral parameters such as Morris water maze, social recognition test, novel object recognition, locomotor activity, and molecular parameters, brain acetylcholinesterase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidants. Brain histopathology was performed for studying the architecture of the brain and plaque formation.

Results And Discussion: A novel HPLC method has been developed for the standardization of KG. Treatment with KG significantly improved cognition and memory and increased brain BDNF and antioxidant status in Aβ induced rats. It also reduced brain acetylcholinesterase, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines and prevented neuronal damage. There were more marked effects with intra-nasal administration compared to oral treatment.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that KG has neuroprotective potential and along with its nootropic property could be a promising therapy for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.