ABSTRACT:
Objective: To explore the usage trends and to find out the rationale of medicines used more commonly in Gujarat region for enhancing learning and memory. Materials and Methods: The pharmacoepidemiological study was done using pretested questionnaires and interviews with 290 patients, 210 physicians, and 351 pharmacists from 12 districts of Gujarat. Results and Discussion: Results of our pharmacoepidemiological study revealed that 65% of doctors prescribed LMEM as add on therapy with allopathic drugs. Majority of doctors were found to prescribe B-complex for common ailments to serious complications. In ayurvedic formulations, Mentat was highest prescribed formulation followed by Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi Syrup and Chyavanprash etc. Forty-five herbal drugs were commonly used to enhance learning and memory. Evaluation of constituents in twenty-five marketed herbal LMEM revealed that Bacopa monniera, Evolvulus alsinoides, Withania somnifera, Nardostychos jatamansi, Acorus calamus and Embelica officinalis are used maximum for learning and memory enhancing effects. Maximum people using learning and memory enhancing medicines were between the age group of 21 to 40 years suggesting that students and persons of business/ service class are the highest users of these medicines. 25% in rural area and 45% in urban area were taking drugs suggested by doctors. Conclusion: Our pharmacoepidemiological study revealed that Bacopa monniera, Evolvulus alsinoides, Withania somnifera, Nardostychos jatamansi, Acorus calamus and Embelica officinalis are used maximum for learning and memory enhancing effects. Most of herbal LMEM were sold without valid physician’s prescription from the ayurvedic or general medical stores.