Effects of root extract of withania somnifera in 3- nitropropionic acid-induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative damage in rats

Purpose: To investigate the possible modulatory role of root extract of Withania somnifera (WS) in 3-Nitroproiponic acid (3-NP)-induced cognitive impairment and altered level of oxidative defense in discrete areas of rat brain. Methods: 3-NP was administered in a dose of 10 mg/kg for 14 days where as WS root extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally along with 3-NP. Cognitive dysfunctions were assessed in Morris water maze and plus-maze performance task paradigms. On 15th day the animals were scarified and reduced glutathione, total glutathione, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase enzyme levels were estimated in the striatum, cortex and hippocampus of the rat brian. Results: Chronic WS root extract (100, 200 mg/kg) treatment for a period of 14 days significantly improved 3-NP-induced cognitive impairment in Morris water and plus maze tests (p<0.05). Further, WS root extract treatment significantly restored GSH, total glutathione, oxidized glutathione, GST and attenuated acetylcholinesterase levels in striatum, cortex and hippocampus regions of brain. Conclusion: There is possible neuroprotective effect of WS root extract against a 3-NP- induced neurotoxicity in rats.