Effect of Withania somnifera Dunal in ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety in rats.

Withania somnifera (WS) or its psychotropic preparation is known to play a critical role in morphine, alcohol and benzodiazepines addiction. This study investigates the role of WS in acute ethanol and withdrawal from chronic ethanol consumption using elevated plus maze paradigm in rats. Acute administration of ethanol (1.5-2 g/kg, ip) triggered anxiolytic effect and withdrawal from prolonged ethanol (9% v/v ethanol, 15 days) consumption elicited enhanced behavioral despair (anxiety). Acute administration of WS (50 mg/kg, oral) potentiated the anxiolytic action of subeffective dose of ethanol (0.5 or 1 g/kg, ip). Moreover, the ethanol withdrawal anxiety was markedly antagonized in dose dependent manner by WS at 200 and 500 mg/kg or higher dose of ethanol (2.5 g/kg). However, co-administration of subeffective doses of WS (50 mg/kg, oral) and ethanol also attenuated withdrawal-induced anxiety due to chronic ethanol (9% v/v ethanol, 15 days) consumption. The results suggest the protective effect of WS in the management of ethanol withdrawal reactions.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera dunal root extract against protracted social isolation induced behavior in rats.

This study investigated the effect of Withania somnifera Dunal (WS) root extract and diazepam in social isolation induced behavior such as anxiety and depression in rats. Rats were isolated for 6 weeks and the assessment of changed behavior were done on elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim test (FST). Isolation reared rats spent less time into the open arms on EPM and significantly increased immobility time in FST compared to group housed rats. WS (100, 200 or 500 mg/kg, oral) and diazepam (1 or 2 mg/kg, ip) dose dependently increased the time spent and entries into the open arms on EPM test and showed the anxiolytic activity. Subeffective dose of WS (50 mg/kg, oral) potentiated the anxiolytic action of diazepam (0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg, ip). WS (100, 200 or 500 mg/kg, oral) also reduced the immobility time in FST, thus showed antidepressant effect in both group housed and social isolates. The investigations support the use of WS as a mood stabilizer in socially isolation behavior in Ayurveda.