Sphaeranthus indicus L. ( Mundi ), a medicinal herb from the Asteraceae family, is traditionally cited in Ayurvedic texts for its Medhya (neurocognitive) properties. However, scientific evidence especially preclinical studies supporting its effects on anxiety and memory enhancement is limited. To evaluate the anxiolytic and anti-amnestic effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus whole plant in Swiss albino mice using validated behavioral models. Twenty-four adult Swiss albino mice (18–24 g, either sex) were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6 per group). Extracts were administered orally for seven days: aqueous extract (200 mg/kg), hydroalcoholic extract (200 mg/kg), and standard drugs—diazepam (4 mg/kg, anxiolytic) or piracetam (4 mg/kg, nootropic). The control group received distilled water. Anxiety-related behavior was assessed using the Actophotometer and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM); spatial memory was tested using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) following scopolamine-induced amnesia. All outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. The aqueous extract significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior in EPM and enhanced cognitive performance in the MWM compared to control (p < 0.01). The hydroalcoholic extract demonstrated significant anti-amnestic but not anxiolytic activity. No adverse behavioral or histological effects were observed in any group. The aqueous extract of Sphaeranthus indicus exhibited both anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects, while the hydroalcoholic extract selectively improved memory. These results support its traditional use as memory enhancer and anxiolytic. Further dose-ranging studies and mechanistic investigations are warranted to substantiate and generalize these findings.
Joshi et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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