A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin and Gabapentin for Succinylcholine-Induced Myalgia.

BACKGROUND: Succinylcholine is a drug of choice for rapid induction of anesthesia but produces postoperative myalgia. Preemptive analgesia is intended to decrease perception of pain before exposure to painful stimuli. Pregabalin and gabapentin, analogs of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid, are effective in several models of neuropathic pain, incisional, inflammatory, and formalin-induced injury. However, the data available on their preemptive analgesic efficacy in succinylcholine myalgia are sparse. This study was designed to compare the preemptive analgesic efficacy and safety of pregabalin and gabapentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 120 surgical patients of either sex, between 18 and 70 years, and of American Society of Anesthesiologists-I/II grade. Patients were randomly allocated to control and test groups; received respective treatments 30 min before induction of anesthesia. Myalgia and pain scores were recorded using the myalgia scale and visual analog/facial rating scale at awakening at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h, respectively. Postoperative analgesic requirement over 24 h was recorded. Data were analyzed using OpenEpi (Andrew G. Dean and Kevin M. Sullivan, Atlanta, GA, USA) statistical softwares. RESULTS: Significantly lower pain scores were observed in the pregabalin group at 6, 12, and 24 h, and in gabapentin group at 24 h as compared to control and placebo (P < 0.05). They were however found to be equianalgesic when compared to each other (P > 0.05). Pregabalin-treated patients were more comfortable throughout with significantly less postoperative myalgia and analgesic requirement (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results strongly suggest the preemptive analgesic efficacy of a single oral dose of pregabalin and gabapentin over diclofenac in postoperative myalgia and pain management. However, on the basis of safety profile, pregabalin may be preferred over gabapentin in succinylcholine-induced myalgia.

Efficacy Study of Folic Acid Supplementation on Homocysteine Levels in Adolescent Epileptics Taking Antiepileptic Drugs: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition that requires long-term therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, long-term employment of AEDs may lead to the onset of hyperhomocysteinemia, which has been found to modulate imperative metabolic mechanisms and induce cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Therefore, adolescent population that have been diagnosed with epilepsy and utilize AEDs are among the most vulnerable, exhibiting higher risks of developing CVDs. PURPOSE: The present study was designed to explore the effects of folic acid (FA) supplementation on AED-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and CVD risk factors in adolescent epileptics. METHODS: The randomized clinical trial included adolescent epileptics (i.e., 10-19 years of age) of either sex, on antiepileptic therapy for > 6 months with high homocysteine levels (i.e., >10.9 µmol/L). At the time of enrolment, their baseline BP, lipid and homocysteine levels were recorded. Participants were randomly assigned to either treatment or placebo groups and received the respective treatments. At the end of the first month, BP, lipid and homocysteine levels were recorded and compared to determine the effect of FA on these parameters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A significant fall in homocysteine levels was observed with FA supplementation (P < 0.05). However, this fall was significantly high in valproic acid treated epileptic patients. In addition, we observed an improvement in high-density lipoprotein levels, a risk factor for CVDs, but the change was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The study results suggest that FA supplementation in epileptic patients receiving AED therapy may minimize AED-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and other CVD risk factors.

Comparative pre-emptive analgesic efficacy study of novel antiepileptic agents gabapentin, lamotrigine and topiramate in patients undergoing major surgeries at a tertiary care hospital: a randomized double blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical injury leads to postoperative pain hypersensitivity preceded by central nervous sensitization, due to lowered pain threshold in peripheral nociceptors and increased excitability of the spinal neurons. Pre-emptive analgesia is intended to decrease pain perception and overall analgesic need by use of drug regimen seizing central nervous system sensitization before exposure to painful stimuli. Earlier, few studies support pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of novel antiepileptic agent gabapentin. But topiramate and lamotrigine though proven analgesic in animal models of chronic pain and clinical studies of gabapentin resistant neuropathic pain; literature search revealed scarce data on its pre-emptive analgesic efficacy. The present study is designed to study and compare the pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of lamotrigine, topiramate and gabapentin (as control) in postoperative pain control. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 90 patients of either sex, between 18 and 70 years undergoing major surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated into control and test groups and received respective treatment 30 min before induction of anesthesia. Aldrete's score and pain score were recorded using visual analogue scale and facial and behavioral rating scales at awakening and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h. Postoperative rescue analgesic consumption for 24 h was recorded. Data were analyzed using OpenEpi and SciStatCalc statistical softwares. RESULTS: Significantly higher pain scores were observed in the topiramate group postoperatively for 2 h on all pain scales (p<0.05). Lamotrigine-treated patients were more comfortable throughout the study with significantly less (p<0.05) postoperative analgesic requirement comparable to gabapentin. CONCLUSIONS: Study results are strongly suggestive of pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of single oral dose lamotrigine comparable to gabapentin and superior to topiramate in postoperative pain control.

Comparative Pre-Emptive Analgesic Efficacy Study of Novel Antiepileptic Agents Lamotrigine and Topiramate in Patients Undergoing Major Surgeries at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous sensitization, following surgical injury, leads to postoperative pain hypersensitivity due to lowered pain threshold in peripheral nociceptors and increased excitability of spinal neurons. Pre-emptive analgesia is intended to decrease pain perception and overall analgesic need by use of drug regimen, seizing CNS sensitization before exposure to painful stimuli. Few studies support pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of novel antiepileptic agent Gabapentin. Though Topiramate and Lamotrigine have been proven analgesic in animal models of chronic pain and clinical studies of Gabapentin-resistant neuropathic pain, literature search revealed scarce data on its pre-emptive analgesic efficacy. PURPOSE: This study is designed to study and compare the pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of Lamotrigine, Topiramate, and Diclofenac sodium in postoperative pain control. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 90 patients of either sex, between 18 and 70 years undergoing major surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated to control and test groups and received respective treatment 30 min before induction of anesthesia. Aldrete's and pain scores were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale, Facial and Behavioral Rating Scale at awakening and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h. Postoperative rescue analgesic consumption for 24 h was recorded. RESULTS: Significantly higher pain scores were observed in the Topiramate group postoperatively for 2 h on all pain scales (p < 0.05), whereas in the control group it was significantly higher at 1 h (p < 0.05). Lamotrigine-treated patients were more comfortable throughout the study with significantly less (p < 0.05) postoperative analgesic requirement. CONCLUSIONS: Study results strongly suggest the pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of a single oral dose of Lamotrigine over Diclofenac and Topiramate in postoperative pain control.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study to Compare Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy of Novel Antiepileptic Agent Lamotrigine in Patients Undergoing Major Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: If postoperative acute pain remains unrelieved, it may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Preemptive analgesic initiated before surgery offers premature analgesia even before exposure to an initial noxious stimulus bestowing effective postoperative analgesia. In developed countries, it is regularly practiced as a part of well-defined protocol. In our country however, only a few centers practice it and that too irregularly and with undefined protocol. Few studies support preemptive analgesic efficacy of novel antiepileptic agent gabapentin. Though lamotrigine is a proven analgesic in animal models of chronic pain and clinical studies of gabapentin-resistant neuropathic pain, a literature search revealed scarce data on its preemptive analgesic efficacy. AIMS: The present study is designed to study the preemptive analgesic efficacy of lamotrigine in comparison with diclofenac sodium in postoperative pain control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 90 patients of both sexes, between 18 years and 70 years undergoing major surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated into placebo, control, and test groups and received the respective treatment 30 min before the induction of anesthesia. Aldrete score and pain score were recorded using visual analog scale (VAS), facial rating scale (FRS), and behavioral rating scale (BRS) at awakening and at 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h. Postoperative rescue analgesic consumption for 24 h was recorded. RESULTS: Significantly higher pain scores were observed in the placebo group postoperatively for 2 h on all pain scales (P < 0.05), whereas in the control group it was significantly higher at 1 h (P < 0.05). The test group patients were more comfortable throughout the study and postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly less (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends the use of single oral dose lamotrigine as preemptive analgesic for effective postoperative pain control.

Medical Students' Perception about the Educational Environment in Western Maharashtra in Medical College using DREEM Scale.

INTRODUCTION: Educational Environment (EE) has significant impact on teaching-learning, satisfaction, performance and academic progress of students. Feedback obtained through structured questionnaire designed for them can serve as tool for identifying and solving these EE related problems. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions of medical students concerning their educational environment (EE) using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study involved all three years medical students; surveyed with DREEM questionnaire consisted of 50 items based on the Likert 's scale (scores from 0 to 200); and 5 domains namely students' perceptions of learning (SPL), perceptions of teachers (SPT), academic self-perceptions (SAP), perceptions of atmosphere (SPA) and social self-perceptions (SSP). RESULTS: The overall total score on Likert's scale was 136 (interpretation: predominantly positive). The scores obtained in the different domains were 35.5 in SPL (interpretation: a more positive perception); 30.9 in SPT (interpretation: moving in the right direction); 21 in SAP (interpretation: feeling more in the positive side); 29.8 in SPA (interpretation: a more positive atmosphere); and 16.1 in SSP (interpretation: satisfactory. The DREEM score assigned by female students was significantly greater (p<0.05) than male students. The second-year students were more positive in their perception of EE (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, student's perception about EE was satisfactory. However, the item with score <2 points i.e. authoritarian/strict teachers, factual, teacher-centred learning, inability to memorize all, poor support system for bored, tired or stressed students during their academic life were the problem areas identified need to be revisited and improvised to further improve learning experience.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the pharmacodynamic interaction of 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron and paracetamol in postoperative patients operated in an ENT department under local anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The preclinical incision pain models and clinical studies in healthy volunteers have demonstrated the central serotonergic analgesic mechanism, paracetamol analgesia. This has been evidenced by raised serotonin concentrations in the brain following paracetamol administration in a few studies. The inhibition of paracetamol analgesia by 5-HT3 antagonists suggests that this analgesia is 5-HT3 mediated. However, in a few studies, 5-HT3 antagonists themselves exhibited an analgesic action. Various studies in this context stated intricate results. The present study was intended to understand the pharmacodynamic interaction between paracetamol and ondansetron in postoperative patients. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 32 postoperative cases of either sex, ages between 18 and 70 years. The patients were randomly allocated into the placebo and test groups and received respective treatment at the end of surgery. The pain score was recorded using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) behavioral scale at awakening and every 30 min for the next 3 h. The postoperative rescue analgesic consumption for 24 h was recorded. The data were analyzed using OpenEpi and SciStatCalc statistical software. RESULTS: A significantly higher pain score was observed in the placebo group postoperatively for 60 min on VAS (p<0.05 and p<0.01), whereas the FLACC behavior scale score was significantly higher at 120 and 150 min (p<0.05). The test group patients were more comfortable throughout the study, and the postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly lesser (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacodynamic interaction between paracetamol and ondansetron coadministration does not block but instead increase paracetamol analgesia, reduce the postoperative analgesic requirement, and improve the postoperative comfort level.

A comparative study to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX-Is) in arthritic patients.

BACKGROUND: During the past 2 years, a great deal of evaluation has been accomplished on the cardiovascular (CV) effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nonselective and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2-Is). Clinical trial databases for nonselective and selective COX-2-Is have shown variable effects on CV risk. There is much controversy regarding the CV safety of these selective and nonselective COX inhibitors (COX-Is). This study was therefore conducted to assess and compare the CV risk of COX-Is in arthritic patients over a period of time. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, adult arthritics of either sex who were freshly diagnosed or taking COX-Is for <3 months were included. Patients were grouped into nonselective and selective COX-2-I groups with reference to the treatment they received, whereas arthritics with no history of COX-I treatment were included as controls. CV risk factors like blood pressure (BP), blood sugar level (BSL), lipid profile, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed and compared; the demography of CV risk factors was also studied. Data obtained were analyzed with Student's t-test using OpenEpi statistical software (Andrew G. Dean and Kevin M. Sullivan, Atlanta, GA, USA). RESULTS: The study clearly revealed that all NSAIDs exhibit potential CV risk; however, selective COX-2-Is were found to exhibit more CV risk. BMI, BP and lipid profile, the potential CV risk factors, showed significant impairment in a selective COX-2-I group: p<0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively, vs. baseline and p<0.05 for BMI and triglycerides vs. nonselective COX-Is. CONCLUSIONS: This study depicts the impending CV risk of selective COX-2-Is and confirms and reevaluates the results of earlier studies in this regard.

A cohort study to evaluate cardiovascular risk of selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX-Is) in arthritic patients attending orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2-Is) have recently been concerned in the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Rofecoxib and valdecoxib has been withdrawn from the market, but celecoxib, etoricoxib and parecoxib continues to be used. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also increase the risk of CV events. However, clinical trial databases for COX-2-Is had created lots of controversies regarding cardiovascular safety of selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX-Is). This study was, conducted to assess and compare the CV risk of COX-Is in arthritic patients over a period of time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study adult arthritics of either sex those were freshly diagnosed or taking COX-Is for < 3 months; were included. Patients were grouped into nonselective and selective COX-2-I groups with reference to treatment they received. The CV risk factors like blood pressure (BP), blood sugar level (BSL), lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) were assessed and compared; demography of CV risk factors was also studied. Data obtained was analysed using Student's 't'-test of OpenEpi statistical software. RESULTS: Study clearly revealed that all NSAIDs exhibit variable CV risk; however, selective COX-2-Is found to exhibit more CV risk. BMI, BP and lipid profile; the potential CV risk factors, showed significant impairment in selective COX-2-Is group; P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively, compared to baseline and P < 0.05 vs. nonselective COX-Is for BMI. CONCLUSIONS: This study portrays the potential CV risk of selective COX-2-Is; confirms and re-evaluate the results of earlier studies in this regard.

Neuroprotective and nootropic activity of Clitorea ternatea Linn.(Fabaceae) leaves on diabetes induced cognitive decline in experimental animals.

PURPOSE: Ethanol extract of Clitorea ternatea (EECT) was evaluated in diabetes-induced cognitive decline rat model for its nootropic and neuroprotective activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effect on spatial working memory, spatial reference memory and spatial working-reference memory was evaluated by Y maze, Morris water maze and Radial arm maze respectively. Neuroprotective effects of EECT was studied by assaying acetylcholinesterase, lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the brain of diabetic rats. RESULTS: The EECT (200 and 400 mg/kg) was found to cause significant increase in spatial working memory (P < 0.05), spatial reference memory (P < 0.001) and spatial working-reference (P < 0.001) in retention trials on Y maze, Morris water maze and Radial arm maze respectively. Whereas significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity (P < 0.05), lipid peroxide (P < 0.001), total NO (P < 0.001) and significant increase in SOD, CAT and GSH levels was observed in animals treated with EECT (200 and 400 mg/kg) compared to diabetic control group. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicates that Clitorea ternatea tenders protection against diabetes induced cognitive decline and merits the need for further studies to elucidate its mode of action.

Attitude, perception and feedback of second year medical students on teaching-learning methodology and evaluation methods in pharmacology: A questionnaire-based study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the student's attitude, perception and feedback on teaching-learning methodology and evaluation methods in pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty second year medical students studying at Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, were selected. They were administered a pre-validated questionnaire containing 22 questions. Suggestions were also asked regarding the qualities of good pharmacology teachers and modification in pharmacology teaching methods. Descriptive statistics were used and results were expressed as percentage. RESULTS: Majority of the students found cardiovascular system (49.25%) as the most interesting topic in pharmacology, whereas most of the students opined that cardiovascular system (60.10%), chemotherapy (54.06%) and central nervous system (44.15%) are going to be the most useful topics in internship. 48.53% students preferred clinical/patient-related pharmacology and 39.13% suggested use of audiovisual-aided lectures. Prescription writing and criticism of prescription were amongst the most useful and interesting in practical pharmacology. Students expressed interest in microteaching and problem-based learning, whereas seminars, demonstrations on manikin and museum studies were mentioned as good adjuvants to routine teaching. Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) practice tests and theory viva at the end of a particular system and periodical written tests were mentioned as effective evaluation methods. Students were found to have lot of interest in gathering information on recent advances in pharmacology and suggested to include new drug information along with prototype drugs in a comparative manner. CONCLUSION: There is a need of conducting few microteaching sessions and more of clinical-oriented problem-based learning with MCQ-based revisions at the end of each class in the pharmacology teaching at undergraduate level.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity of Clitorea ternatea Linn. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Ethanol extract of Clitorea ternatea Linn. (EECT) was evaluated for its antihyperglycemic and antioxidative activity in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Antihyperglycemic activity of EECT was studied in normal fasted and glucose fed hyperglycemic and epinephrine induced hyperglycemic rats by estimating fasting serum glucose (FSG) by glucose oxidisae or peroxidase enzymatic method. Antioxidant activity of EECT was studied by assaying lipid peroxide/Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total nitric oxide, catalase (CAT) and glutathione levels in diabetic rats. The EECT (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed significant antihyperglycemic activity by decreasing FSG in all hyperglycemic models except epinephrine induced hyperglycemic rats; in which improvement in FSG was observed only with EECT in 400 mg/kg dose, whereas significant decrease in TBARS (P < 0.001), nitric oxide (P < 0.001) and significant increase in SOD (P < 0.001), CAT (P < 0.01) and reduced glutathione levels (P < 0.001) was observed in animals treated with EECT (200 and 400 mg/kg) compared to diabetic control group. The results indicated that EECT has remedial effects on hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Clitorea ternatea, a herb from Indian folklore, improves streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetes-induced cognitive decline in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the antidiabetic, neurochemical-antioxidant and cognition protective effects of Clitorea ternatea leaves on a rat model of diabetic cognitive decline. METHODS: Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by serum glucose and body weight estimation in ethanol extract of Clitorea ternatea (EECT)-treated diabetic rats. Effects of EECT on spatial working memory (SWM) and spatial reference memory (SRM) were evaluated by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests respectively. Neurochemical-antioxidant effects of EECT were studied by acetylcholinesterase assay, and measurements of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in diabetic rats. RESULTS: The 200 and 400 mg/kg of EECT showed a significant antidiabetic activity by decreasing serum glucose level (P<0.05, P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the body weight in 400 mg/kg of EECT-treated diabetic rats (P<0.01). EECT was found to cause significant increases in SWM and SRM in retention trials on Y-maze and Morris water maze respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant decreases in acetylcholinesterase activity and TBARS level, and significant increase in CAT level were observed in rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of EECT compared with rats in the diabetic control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Significant increase was also found in SOD in rats treated with 400 mg/kg of EECT. CONCLUSION: Clitorea ternatea exhibits antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, offers the protection against diabetes-induced cognitive decline, and warrants the need for further studies to elucidate its mode of action.

Effect of aqueous extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on experimental animal model for inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Achyranthes aspera is known as Chirchita (Hindi), Apamarga (Sanskrit), Aghedi (Gujarati), Apang (Bengali), Nayurivi (Tamil), Kalalat (Malyalam) and Agadha (Marathi) in our country. It possesses valuable medicinal properties and used in treatment of cough, bronchitis and rheumatism, malarial fever, dysentery, asthma, hypertension and diabetes in Indian folklore. Present study was designed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of an aqueous extracts of Achyranthes aspera (AEAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: AEAA leaves and whole plant (i.e. Aqueous extracts of Achyranthes aspera leaves (AEAAL)/Aqueous extracts of A. aspera whole plant (AEAAW) were studied in albino mice using carrageenan induced left hind paw edema. Both extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity of the extracts was also studied using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD guidelines 423. RESULTS: Acute toxicity study confirmed toxic dose of AEAA to be more than 2,000 mg/kg. Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and triterpenoids were the major constituents found in extracts. AEAA reduced the edema induced by carrageenan by 35.71-54.76% on intraperitoneally administration of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg as compared to the untreated control group. Diclofenac sodium at 10 mg/kg inhibited the edema volume by 42.85%. The results indicated that the AEAA 800 mg/kg body weight shows more significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with the standard and untreated control respectively. CONCLUSION: Both AEAA exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activity attributed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and triterpenoids phytoconstituents.

Study of CNS depressant and behavioral activity of an ethanol extract of Achyranthes Aspera (Chirchita) in mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Achyranthes Aspera Linn., known as Chirchira (Hindi), Agadha (Marathi) is an indigenous herb found in India. The herb has been reported to have variety of activities like antifertility, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, diuretic and cardiotonic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antifungal and antibacterial activity. It has been also reported to have central anti-nociceptive activity in thermal induced pain methods in our earlier studies. We wanted to study its neuropharmacological effects, which may throw light on understanding the underlying mechanism for its central activity. PURPOSE: The present study was designed to evaluate CNS depressant and behavioral effects of A. Aspera extract and to study the phytochemical responsible for these activities with possible mode of action. METHODS: The effects on behavioral activity was studied using open field test (OFT). The extract was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Diazepam (2mg/kg body weight i.p.) was used as standard. Data was analyzed by ANOVA test followed by Dunnett's test. All the results were expressed as Mean (±SEM). P <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening revealed presence of triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids (betaine, achyranthine) and steroids as major constituents. The result of the study demonstrated that ethanol extract of A. Aspera (400 mg/kg i.p.) decreased locomotor activity, produced muscle relaxation and showed antianxiety activity. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanols extract of A. Aspera exhibit CNS depressant action and significant anxiolytic activity comparable to diazepam.

Study of central nervous system depressant and behavioral activity of an ethanol extract of Achyranthes aspera (Agadha) in different animal models.

BACKGROUND: Achyranthes aspera Linn., an indigenous herb, has been reported to have antifertility, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, diuretic, cardiotonic, analgesic anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antifungal, antibacterial, and central antinociceptive activities. AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate depressant effects on central nervous system (CNS) and behavioral effects of ethanol extract of A. aspera (EEAA) and to find the phytochemical responsible for these activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pharmacological assays used to study CNS depressant effect in albino mice were rota rod and actophotometer performance test. Effects on behavioral activity were studied using open field test. The extract was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Diazepam (2 mg/kg body weight i.p.) was used as standard. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening revealed presence of triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids (betaine, achyranthine), and steroids as major constituents. The result of this study reflected that EEAA (400 mg/kg i.p.) decreased locomotor activity, produced muscle relaxation, and showed anxiolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: EEAA exhibit CNS depressant and significant anxiolytic activity comparable to diazepam.