DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2016.5.8.2

Pages: 317-325

The present study is an effort to demonstrate the role of Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn in the management of STZ-ICV induced dementia in rats. Wistar rats (either sex; 220-250 g) were divided into 7 groups (n=6 to 8). Ethanol extract of seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn (EEHA) was administered daily in 3 doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg; p.o.) to rats for 28 successive days. Dementia was induced in rats by intra cerebro ventricular (ICV) injection of STZ (3 mg/kg) using stereotaxic apparatus. Learning & memory assessment with the help of Novel object recognition task and Elevated plus maze was carried out. After behavioural evaluation, brain AChE, TBARS and GSH levels were measured. Administration of STZ to rats increased the transfer latency (TL) (p˂0.05) in elevated plus maze as compared to normal control group rats and showed almost equal exploration time of the novel and familiar object in retention trial in novel object recognition task indicating induction of dementia. Furthermore, STZ treated rats showed (p˂0.05) decrease in GSH and increase in AchE & TBARS levels. Administration of EEHA (200 and 300 mg/kg; p.o) (p<0.05) increased the exploration time of the novel object as compared with familiar object during their retention trial in novel object recognition task and decrease TL in elevated plus maze session as compared to STZ group. EEHA treated rats showed an (p<0.05) increase in GSH and decrease in brain AChE and TBARS levels. Thus, Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn may prove to be useful remedy for the management of dementia owing to its possible neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.