The nootropic properties of Juniperus recurva (Himalayan juniper)

Researchers at the Guru Nanak Dev University in India evaluated the memory-enhancing effect of an extract derived from Juniperus recurva (Himalayan juniper). They reported their findings in an article published in the International Journal of Green Pharmacy.

• Currently available treatments for memory impairment are far from satisfactory.
• Scientists are therefore searching for new potential therapies by screening agents from natural sources.
• For their study, researchers from India prepared J. recurva methanol extract using Soxhlet extraction. They then characterized the extract using liquid chromatography.
• The researchers also evaluated the extract’s antioxidant activity by measuring its reducing power and assessing its ability to chelate metals, as well as to scavenge diphenyl picryl hydrazine and nitric oxide.
• For their in vivo experiment, they induced memory impairment in mice by treating them with scopolamine for three consecutive days.
• They assessed memory acquisition and memory retention using the Morris water maze test, passive avoidance test, elevated plus maze test and the light and dark box test. They also quantified serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity using Ellman’s method.
• Motor coordination was evaluated using the rotarod test and inclined plane test, while depression was evaluated by forced swim test.
• HPLC results revealed that the J. recurva methanol extract contained large amounts of gallic acid.
• Meanwhile, it showed excellent antioxidant activity in all the assays conducted.
• The in vivo experiment also showed that J. recurva methanol extract can not only enhance memory, but it can also improve motor coordination.
• Treatment with the extract also lowered serum AChE activity.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that J. recurva extract can enhance memory by inhibiting the activity of the AChE enzyme.

Journal Reference:

Kumar P, Singh AP, Kaur G, Sharma S, Sharma AK, Kaur K. EXPLORING THE NOOTROPIC EFFECT OF JUNIPERUS RECURVA EXTRACT: POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION. International Journal of Green Pharmacy. 2019;13(3):249-259. DOI: 10.22377/ijgp.v13i3.2596