Nootropic and Anxiolytic Activity of Fenugreek Seeds

Abstract

Objective: To study the nootropic and anxiolytic activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seeds. Methods: Acetone soluble fraction (ASF) of methanol extract (ME) of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seeds was assessed for its nootropic and anxiolytic activities. ASF (100,200 and 400 mg/kg) administered intra-peritoneally exhibited nootropic and anxiolytic activity in Passive shock avoidance paradigm and elevated plus maze (EPM) paradigm respectively. Scopolamine (1mg/kg) was used to induce cognitive dysfunction. Mentat (100 mg/kg) and Diazepam (1 mg/kg) served as standard nootropic and anxiolytic drugs respectively. Results: In Passive shock avoidance paradigm, ASF (100,200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the number of mistakes and increased the time spent in shock free zone compared to vehicle treated group. ASF (400 mg/kg) significantly reversed the effects of Scopolamine(1 mg/kg). In Elevated plus maze ASF 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) increased the time spent in open arms and the entries in open arms Conclusion: Thus, the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum contain bio-active principle(s) which possess nootropic and anxiolytic activity.