To study the Effect of Hypericum Perforatum on Alzheimer Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is an incurable and a degenerative disease. This disease is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in perception, language, reasoning and planning. It is diagnosed over 65 years of age. Early, moderate and last are the three stages of this disease that determine the symptoms of the patient varying from mild to severe. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose AD along with patient history and clinical observations. Although there is no way to cure AD or stop its progression encouraging advances is being made by researchers in Alzheimer’s treatment including non-drug and drug approaches to improve symptom management. Mainly cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil and rivastigmine are used in AD as they increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain which plays a key role in learning and memory. These drugs may have certain side effects like tremors, diarrhea, nausea, seizures, fatigue and insomnia. In view of these, the herb used in this study may provide a better alternative for the treatment of AD. Medicinal plants are widely used by traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases. Hypericum perforatum or St john’s wort is a flowering plant species and a medicinal herb that is sold over the counter as a treatment for depression. It is also used for tiredness, loss of appetite and in sleeplessness. This study investigated the role of Hypericum perforatum extract in treating AD. Experimental work done: Collection and drying of plant material (leaves). Extract preparation using soxhlet apparatus. Phytochemical screening of plant extract. Physicochemical tests. Enzyme assay to check activity of the plant extract.