ABSTRACT
The term “Working memory” refers to the ability of a person to hold information in mind and to manipulate it over short periods of time. Its deficit creates a high risk factor for educational underachievement as it is a better predictor of school performance than IQ. A clinical study was conducted to find out the effect of Sankhapushpi (Clitoria ternatea Linn.) choorna in the working memory of children. The study was conducted as therapeutic, interventional, non randomized, single group assignment, pre and post test and was carried out at the OPD of Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. The study population included children in the age group 7 to 11years of both sexes with working memory deficit for their age when assessed by a clinical psychologist, selected from a population who presented with poor scholastic performance. The tools used were N back tasks for Verbal and Visuospatial Working Memory from NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery and Visuospatial working memory span task and Working Memory Index tests in Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale. The trial drug, Sankhapushpichoorna was given twice daily in empty stomach in the dose 1-2 gm with plain ghee and honey for 2 months. They were assessed before and after intervention and after 1 month of follow up period and the difference in scores were assessed. Analysis of the data using the most appropriate statistical tests showed significant response (P<0.001). The trial drug sustained its potential action during the follow-up period also and thus its efficacy was proved.
ABSTRACT
Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri widely known as Brahmi are considered as ‘Medhya rasayanas’ in Ayurveda meaning brain tonic. However, these plants are distinctly different. The name Brahmi, Jala-brahmi or water-brahmi is assigned to Bacopa monnieri whereas "mandukaparni", often confused with Brahmi, refers to Centella asiatica. A detailed investigation of whole plant and roots of both the crude drugs was carried out. The diagnostic characteristics includes presence of stomata, vessels with spiral thickening, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate in Centella asiatica and xylem vessels with reticulate thickening, glandular hairs, simple, round and oval starch grains, measuring 4-14 μ in diameter in Bacopa monnieri. Various physicochemical parameters were also established. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many therapeutically important classes of phytoconstituents such as glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, protiens and carbohydrates. The present work was undertaken to generate information regarding relevant pharmacognostical, phytochemical and physicochemical data needed for proper identification and authentification of two crude drugs belonging to two different families, mainly focusing and exploring the aspects leading to common effect of improving memory.