Effect of crude extract and its semi purified constituents from guaraná seeds [Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (Mart.) lucke] on cognitive performance in Morris water maze in rats

The effect of crude lyophilized extract (EBPC) and the semi-purified constituents (EPA and EPB) of Paullinia cupana (guaraná) seeds long-term administered in rats by gavage at different doses was studied on cognitive behavior in rats. EBPC (30.0 mg/kg) and EPA (2.0 mg/kg), but not EPB (2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg) showed a smaller escape latency to find the emerged platform in Morris water maze test (MWMT), showing nootropic-like effect in normal rats, and in scopolamine induced amnesia rats compared to their controls (saline + 0.2% Tween 80) group. These extracts had no significant effect in open field test (OFT). Caffeine did alter escape latency in MWMT only in scopolamine induced amnesia rats and increased the crossings number in OFT, showing significant stimulant effect. Chronic treatment showed the same increase in body weight and average lifespan indicating a low toxicity for the extracts.