Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia on Learning and Memory in Healthy Volunteers: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study

Background: Tinospora cordifolia, an Indian medicinal plant, has been reported to have beneficial effects on disorders like peptic ulcer, hepatobiliary disorders, rheumatism, infectious diseases etc. It enhances cognition in normal rats and successfully overcomes cyclosporine induced memory deficit. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers of age 18-30 years received Tinospora cordifolia (500 mg of pure aqueous extract) or a matching placebo for 21 days in a double blind, randomized and placebo controlled design. Learning and memory was assessed by subjecting the volunteers to a battery of psychological tests that aimed at studying visual memory, logical memory, verbal memory, attention span and concen-tration. Results: Tinospora cordifolia showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the test scores for ‘verbal learning and memory’ (control -1.2±1.9, drug 6.9±2.5) and ‘logical memory’ (control 5.1±6.1, drug 26.6±6.7). No significant untoward effects were reported during Tinospora cordifolia treatment. Conclusion: Tinospora cordifolia, 500 mg daily, enhances verbal learning and memory and logical mem-ory (of immediate and short term type) compared to placebo in healthy volunteers.