Study on Evaluation of Nootropic Effect of Piracetam and Modafinil Inscopalamine Induced Amnesia in Rats

BACKGROUND Alzheimers disease presents with subtle onset of memory loss and gradual decline in function. Memory impairment is followed by dysphasia, dyspraxia and agnosia. Piracetam is a cyclic GABA derivative but has no GABA like activity. It selectively improves efficiency of higher integrative activities. Modafinil is a newer psychostimulant used to improve alertness and attention span in night shift workers. Study was undertaken to evaluate the nootropic effects of piracetam and modafinil in scopolamine induced amnesia in rats. METHODOLOGY.24 male adult albino rats were divided into 4 groups, 6 animals in each group. In control group no drug was given and only diet and water were provided. In second group only scopolamine was administered. The third group ( test group I), piracetam was administered along with scopolamine. In the fourth group ( test group II) modafinil was administered along with scopolamine. The nootropic effects of Piracetam and Modafinil was compared in animals treated with scopolamine induced amnesia using Elevated plus maze RESULTS study showed that both Piracetam and Modafinil have significant anti amnesic effect in Elevated plus maze So they definitely have an effect on retaining memory of learned experience.