Experimental study of neurotropic properties of dealcoholized extract of acorus leaf

Abstract

Abstract Every year there is an increase in mental and neurological disorders resulting from the constant increase in the impact of stressors and socio-economic tensions. In the complex therapy of these disorders are widely used herbal medicines. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of dealcoholized extract of Acorus leaf (Acorus calamus L.) (DEAL) when administered to intact rats. Materials and methods. An experimental study of psychotropic and neurotropic properties of sweet flag leaf extract was performed on intact white randomized rats weighing 180-210g. DEAL was administered intragastrically in two doses (1 and 5 mL/kg) once 60 minutes before the study. Control animals were administered intragastrically purified water in a similar volume (1 mL per 100 g of body weight). The reference product - ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, was dissolved in water and administered in the same mode. The effect of DEAL on locomotor activity, orientation research activity, and the emotional sphere was studied using a standard open field test. The test of swimming with a load was performed at a water temperature of + 21-22° C by using a load of 10% of the body weight of the rats attached to the tail. At the end of the experiments, the animals were killed under conditions of euthanasia for further study of acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholinesterase content in the brain. In the following series of experiments studied the stress-protective effect of DEAL in white rats under predatory stress (fear of the victim to the predator), exposing them to the smell of the predator (100 mL cat urine on wood fillers for cat toilet in Petri dishes, which were covered with nylon cloth) for 10 minutes daily for 4 days. On the 4th day of the experiment, the level of 17-oxycorticosteroids (17- OHCS) in the daily urine of animals was determined. Results and discussion. We have found a dose-dependent stimulatory effect of DEAL on locomotor, exploratory activity and a moderate actoprotective (anti-fatigue) effect. Theneurotropic activity of DEAL is due to the effect on the content of biogenic amines, acetylcholine (ACh), and the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain tissue In terms of neurotropic activity, DEAL exceeded the effect of GBE. Under conditions of predatory stress, DEAL has a stress-protective effect in both doses, which is confirmed by both the corresponding neurophysiological reactions and a decrease in the level of 17 - OHCS. Conclusion. Thus it has been established that DEAL has a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on locomotor, exploratory activity, stress-protective activity as well as the emotional state of intact animals; has a moderate actoprotective effect.