Nootropic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Zingiber officinale and Centella asiatica on Stress Induced Rats

Nootropics, natural or synthetic substances that boost brain function and cognitive abilities, were investigated in this study. Specifically, the effects of Zingiber officinale and Centella asiatica extracts were compared to the standard nootropic piracetam. Both plant extracts demonstrated nootropic activity and contained phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, and saponins that protect the brain from oxidative damage. Sterols such as stigmasterol inhibiting acetyl CoA esterase activity were also present. Tests were conducted on rats given the extracts or piracetam daily for 7 to 21 days. High and low doses were used. Nootropic effects were measured using elevated plus maze and Morris water maze tests compared to controls. The results were promising: At higher doses, the extracts significantly reduced latency time to 21 ± 0.33 seconds compared to 33.33 ± 0.12 seconds for piracetam and 54 ± 0.08 seconds for controls. This suggests the plant extracts have considerable nootropic potential when administered at higher doses.