The prevalence of memory impairment is increased but the therapeutic efficacy is very limited. Therefore, the novel cognitive enhancer is required. Based on the memory enhancing effect of plants possessing antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) activities, the memory enhancing effect of Limnophila aromatica is focused. In this study, we aimed to determine antioxidant, AChEI and memory enhancing effect of aqueous extract of L.aromatica extract. Antioxidant effect was measured using DPPH and FRAP assays whereas AChEI was determined using microplate assay. The results showed that EC50 for antioxidant via DPPH and FRAP were 1.31 ± 0.001 and 11.73 ± 0.63 μg/ml respectively whereas EC50 of AChEI was 189.65 μg/ml. The effect of L. aromatica on spatial memory was determined by giving the extract at doses of 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW to male Wistar rats, weighing180–220 g, via oral route and they were induced memory deficit using scopolamine. The results showed that the extract at dose of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased escape latency time whereas all doses treatment showed the enhanced retention times. Therefore, the data suggested the memory enhancing effect of L. aromatica and the mechanism might occur partly via the antioxidant and AChEI activities. However, further researches are still required.
Keywords:Limnophila aromatic; Antioxidant; Phenolic compound; Cetylcholinesterase