Comparison of neuropharmacological activities of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum [Linn.] and Centratherum anthelminticum [Linn.] in mice

The study is conducted to observe and investigate the effects of oral dosing of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum [L] and Centratherum anthelminticum [L] on neuropharmacological activities of mice. Methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum [L] and Centratherum anthelminticum [L] were soluble in Dimethyl sulphoxide [DMSO] i.e. an organic solvent, so it is used in this study. Screening for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were performed using open field test, head dip test, stationary rod test, cage crossing test, light and dark box and swimming- induced depression test. Thirty animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each and numbered as 1 [control, on DMSO], 2[on methanolic extract of Cuminum nigrum [L], 3 [on methanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum [L]. The extracts and DMSO were administered orally for 60 days. Any possible change in animal behavior was evaluated on day 15, 30 and 60 of dosing. The groups 2 and 3 showed significant increase [p<0.001, p<0.01] in open field activity and light and dark box test respectively, while significantly decreased activity was observed in head dip and cage crossing activity [p<0.01] after 60 days of dosing. Based on above findings, it is suggested that the extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum [L] and Cuminum nigrum [L] have antidepressant and anxiolytic potential with sedative effects

Beneficial anti-Parkinson effects of camel milk in Chlorpromazineinduced animal model: Behavioural and histopathological study

Potential roles of natural products have been identified for preventing or treating various diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of camel milk in an animal model of Parkinson's disease and compare it with standard treatment [levodopa + carbidopa combination]. 40 Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 gram were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Group I was kept on water and served as normal control, group II served as negative control, treated with chlorpromazine [5mg/kg i.p.], group III was given camel milk [33ml/kg p.o] and group IV the standard combination of levodopa + carbidopa [100+10mg/kg] respectively, 30 minutes after chlorpromazine treatment. All animals were subjected to the drugs treatment for 30 days. Catalepsy was assessed by Bar test on day 21 and day 30 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes interval. On 30th day animals were sacrificed and whole brains were examined for histopathological changes. The results revealed highly significant [p