Assessment of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.

Objectives: The objective of present study is to determine the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. for therapeutics at various doses. One more purpose is also to determine anti-inflammatory effects of E. alsinoides which are highly associated with CNS disease. Methods: Ethanolic extract of E. alsinoides has been used for estimation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity at dose of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg on rat. For estimation of acetylcholinesterase, Ellman's method is used which is based on absorbance. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by two in vitro experimental models i.e. heat induced hemolysis and hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis. Results: Ethanolic extract of E. alsinoides at the dose of 200mg/kg is more effective than 100 and 300. In heat hemolysis, inflammation was significantly reduced at 50 and 100 mu g/ml in EA while hypotonic solution induced inhibition was shown significant at 50, 100 and 200 mu g/ml in EA. Extract was effective in inhibition of hemolysis in a dose-dependent manner due to its membrane stabilizing action. Thus, E. alsinoides may be employed as alternative and safe drug therapy against inflammation. Conclusion: Several natural products have been used for medicinal purposes in which E. alsinoides is also one of them. It is traditionally claimed for memory enhancement and will help as therapeutics for brain related problems.