Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology

Neuro-protective potential of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. fruit extract: an in-vivo study

Webinar on Annual Congress on Pharmacology Toxicology

November 26, 2021 | Webinar

Dr. Atanu Bhattacharjee

The Assam Royal Global University, India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Clin Exp Pharmacol

Abstract:

Background: Zanthoxylum armatum DC., a popular spice and traditional medicine is widely distributed throughout North Eastern region of India. The plant has been used in different indigenous medicinal practices to cure several diseases associated with digestive and nervous system. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate neuro-protective potentiality of Zanthoxylum armatum fruit extract through different learning and memory paradigm against scopolamine induced cognitive impairment. Methodology: Acute toxicity study of ethanolic extract was performed as per OCED 425 guidelines for assessment of optimum dose level. Ethanolic extract of Zanthoxylum armatum (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was administered to adult Wistar rats for successive 14 days and the acquisition, retention and retrieval of spatial recognition memory was determined in-vivo. Further, whole brain cholinesterase activity was estimated in rat brain homogenate. Results: Pre-treatment with Zanthoxylum armatum extract significantly improved transfer latency against scopolamine induced neuro-toxicity in-vivo. Moreover, it significantly decreased rat brain acetyl cholinesterase activity in a dose dependent manner and comparable to the standard drug Donepezil while butyryl cholinesterase activity was found to be insignificant. The extract also showed significant antioxidant potential in dose dependant manner. Thus, the result depicted folklore use of Zanthoxylum armatum on nervous system and the plant could be viewed as a potential source of natural nootropic compound.

Biography :

Dr. Atanu Bhattacharjee is currently working as Associate Professor in School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, Assam, and India. His area of specialization includes Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry. Dr. Bhattacharjee obtained his Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Sciences from in the area of phytochemistry and neuro-pharmacology of traditional Indian medicinal plant from Nitte University, Mangalore, India. He worked extensively on evaluation of nootropic potential of Ayurvedic medicinal plant with emphasizing their effect on cholinergic neurotransmission. His research contribution includes assessment of several in-vivo, in-vitro and in-silico neuro-pharmacological assay and estimation of cholinesterase enzymes, antioxidant potential of drugs obtained from natural sources.