Evaluation of nootropic and safety profiles of berberine and ferulic acid in wistar rats

Abstract

The present study evaluates the acute oral toxicity and cognitive-enhancing potential of berberine and ferulic acid, isolated from Tinospora cordifolia and Centella asiatica, respectively. Acute toxicity studies performed according to OECD 423 guidelines revealed no mortality or severe behavioral abnormalities up to 2000 mg/kg, confirming the safety of the polyherbal suspension (PHS). Cognitive performance was assessed using scopolamine-induced amnesia models in Wistar rats via T-maze, Morris Water Maze, and Novel Object Recognition tests. Results demonstrated significant improvements in transfer latency, escape latency, probe trial retention, and recognition index in treatment groups compared to scopolamine controls. Combination therapy exhibited the most pronounced effect, surpassing the efficacy of individual compounds. These findings validate the synergistic nootropic potential of berberine and ferulic acid and provide a scientific rationale for their use in polyherbal formulations targeting cognitive impairment.