Study of the nootropic effect of the extract of <i>Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi</i> in modeling anxiety and depressive disorders in rats during the development of a conditioned reflex of passive avoidance

Abstract

Experimental study is devoted to the study of the nootropic effect of the extract Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in normal conditions and in modelling anxiety-depressive disorders by creating "social" stress in rats during the development of a conditioned passive avoidance reflex. Materials and methods. The study was made of the extract obtained by maceration of the underground part (rhizomes with roots) of the plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The experimental work involved the study of the behavioural characteristics of laboratory animals (non-linear rats) in the amount of 159 males aged 7-9 months, divided into groups in accordance with the stages of the study. The study of nootropic activity in the norm formed the basis of the first stage and included work with animals divided into 4 groups: receiving water for injection (intact); Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract, medicinal product «Tetramethyltetraazocycloocyandione»; medicinal product «Piracetam+Cinnarizine». The creation of conditions providing for paired sensory contact of individuals, contributing to the development of inter-male confrontations, was achieved by modelling “social” stress in groups identical to the normal state at the second stage of experimental work. The use of the standard setting of the passive avoidance conditioned reflex made it possible to analyse the cognitive functions of the animals. Results. The nootropic effect of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract has been proven. The decrease in the consequences of stress in the form of a deterioration in memorization and reproduction of a conditioned reflex of passive avoidance was shown when it was administered to laboratory animals. Extension of the latent period of entry into the dark chamber of the passive avoidance conditioned reflex test, an increase in the total time spent in the illuminated compartment, and a decrease in the percentage of animals that visited the dark "aversive" compartment under the influence of the extract were described. Conclusion. The preservation of a memory trace in laboratory animals after the introduction of an extract made on the basis of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi has been established. The presence of a complex of various groups of biologically active substances in the composition of the Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi determines this plant object as a source of obtaining new drugs recommended for use as nootropic drugs that reduce the reactions that develop during “social” stress.