Effect of the methanol leaves extract of Clinacanthus nutans on the activity of acetylcholinesterase in male mice

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the in vivo effect of 14 d repeatedly oral administration of Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) methanol leaves extract (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg bw) on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in male Balb/C mice. MethodFirst group was served as control group, orally treated with distilled water as vehicle and group 2-4 were orally treated with a single daily dose of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg bw of C. nutans extract, respectively for 14 d. Each group consisted of six animals (n =6). The activity of acetylcholinesterase in brain, liver, kidney and heart of mice was determined according to Ellman method (1961). ResultsFrom the results obtained, the AChE activity was found to be highest in mice liver, followed by brain, kidney and heart. Methanol extract of C. nutans leaves at 250 mg/kg (P <0.001), 500 mg/kg (P <0.001) and 1 000 mg/kg (P <0.001) showed a significant increase in the AChE activity in mice kidney, liver and heart. On the other hand, the AChE activity obtained from the mice brain showed insignificant difference between the control group and treatment group. However, there was no abnormal behavioural change and adverse effect related to the central nervous system observed in all treated mice during 14 d experimentation period. ConclusionIn conclusion, 14 d oral administration of C. nutans was able to modulate cholinergic neurotransmission by activating AChE activity in mice kidney, liver and heart. Compounds that responsible for the induction of AChE activity in mice liver, heart and kidney and its mechanism needs to be elucidated.