Effect of homeopathic medicine Lycopodium clavatum on memory functions and cerebral blood flow in memory-impaired rats

Abstract

Background: Lycopodium clavatum (Lyc) is a widely used homeopathic medicine for the liver, urinary and digestive disorders. Recently, Acetyl Cholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity has been found in Lyc alkaloid extract, which could be beneficial in dementia disorder. However, the effect of Lyc has not yet been explored in animal model of memory impairment and on cerebral blood flow. Aim: The present study was planned to explore the effect of Lyc on learning and memory function and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in intracerebroventricularly (ICV) administered streptozotocin (STZ) induced memory impairment in rats.

Materials and Methods: Memory deficit was induced by ICV administration of STZ (3 mg/kg) in rats on 1st and 3rd day. Male SD rats were treated with Lyc Q, 30, 200 and 1000 for 17 days. Learning and memory was evaluated by Morris water maze test on 14th, 15th and 16th day. CBF was measured by Laser Doppler flow meter on 17th day.

Results: STZ (ICV) treated rats showed impairment in learning and memory along with reduced CBF. Lyc Q and 200 showed improvement in learning and memory. There was increased CBF in STZ (ICV) treated rats at all the potencies of Lyc studied.

Conclusion: The above study suggests that Lyc may be used as a drug of choice in condition of memory impairment due to its beneficial effect on CBF.