Original
Research Article
Abstract
Purpose:
To investigate the possible modulatory role of root
extract of Withania somnifera (WS) in 3-Nitroproiponic
acid (3-NP)-induced cognitive impairment and altered
level of oxidative defense in discrete areas of rat
brain.
Methods:
3-NP was administered in a dose of 10 mg/kg for 14 days
where as WS root extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was
administered orally along with 3-NP. Cognitive
dysfunctions were assessed in Morris water maze and
plus-maze performance task paradigms. On 15th
day the animals were scarified and reduced glutathione,
total glutathione, oxidized glutathione (GSSG),
glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase
enzyme levels were estimated in the striatum, cortex and
hippocampus of the rat brian.
Results:
Chronic WS root extract (100, 200 mg/kg) treatment for a
period of 14 days significantly improved 3-NP-induced
cognitive impairment in Morris water and plus maze tests
(p<0.05). Further, WS root extract treatment
significantly restored GSH, total glutathione, oxidized
glutathione, GST and attenuated acetylcholinesterase
levels in striatum, cortex and hippocampus regions of
brain.
Conclusion:
There is possible neuroprotective effect of WS root
extract against a 3-NP- induced neurotoxicity in rats.
Key
words:
Huntington’s disease, 3-Nitropropionic acid, Oxidative
stress, Withania somnifera
