Effect of various extracts of Justicia gendarussa leaves on neuropharmacological behavior activity in MPTP induced mice model

Abstract

The present research work is assessment of various extracts of Justicia gendarussa (JG) leaves on neuropharmacological behavior studies in MPTP induced mice model. Animals were administered with Ethanol, Ethyl acetate, Aqueous and n-hexane extracts at dose 200 and 400mg/kg orally along with MPTP (20mg/kg I.P) 4 injections on day 1 and L-DOPA(100mg/kg I.P) was used as standard. Treatment was continued for 7 days and behavioral assessment was made by spontaneous motor activity, number of head dippings (alertness), rota rod test(grip strength) and immobility time by Tail suspension test (TST) and Forced swimming test(FST) on 1st, 4th and 7th day of treatment. The results of the present study showed that spontaneous motor activity, retention time on rota rod and number of head dipping were decreased (P<0.001) whereas, immobility time in TST and FST were increased (P<0.01) in MPTP induced animals. While the motor scores, alertness and retention time (P<0.001) were increased and immobility time in TST and FST(P<0.01) were decreased significantly and dose dependently with ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts on 4th and 7th day of treatment as compared with MPTP, L-dopa and normal control, where as n-hexane extract showed slight activity. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of all the extracts showed presence of flavonoids, poly phenols, amino acids, proteins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, tannins and alkaloids. It was observed that ethanol extract of JG at a dose of 400mg/kg on 7th day exhibited maximum increase in spontaneous motor activity, retention time and number of head dipping and decrease in immobility time in TST and FST as compared to Control, MPTP and L-Dopa treated animals. Evidence of above observations, Justicia gendarussa leaves may be suggested as a potential source for CNS stimulant activity with neuroprotective effect. The effect may be due to presence of L-dopa like compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids -polyphenols (Naringenin), amino acids like tyrosine and proteins.