Autistic Effects of Nootropic Drug Brahmi against Propionic Acid-induced Behavior and Memory Impairment in Rat Model

Aims: To evaluate the hydro alcoholic effect of Brahmi against propionic acid-induced behavior and memory impairment in rat model.

Study Design: This includes preclinical study on Sprague Dawley rats in which Propionic acid induced and evaluation of in vivo and in vitro models were performed.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, C L Baid Metha College of Pharmacy Jan 2019 to June 2021.

Methodology: We include a total of 27 adult Sprague Dawley Rats and induced propionic acid intracerebroventricular route to induce autism. Drug treatment using hydro alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri was given in 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg was compared with negative group rats and control groups. In vivo parameters like Actophotometer and marble burying test was done, In vitro analysis of Serotonin and Glutamate was estimated in the above treated groups.

Results: The locomotor activity of rat was recorded individually for each animal using Actophotometer. HAEBM (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) treated rat produced an increase in the level of significance (P<0.0001) on day one. In marble burying test Rats were located for thirty minutes in a standard cage covered with 5 cm depth of wood chip bedding with ten marbles evenly spaced. HAEBM (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.001) level of burying when compared to group-II rats (P<0.01). In this research study 5HT level showed a significant (P<0.001) increase in Group III, Group IV when compared with group-II (P<0.01). Glutamate is an excitatory Neurotransmitter. Group II showed significant increase (P<0.001) in the level of Glutamate but on drug treated groups III and IV shows decrease in concentration of glutamate.

Conclusion: The present study findings showed that the hydro alcoholic root extract of brahmi possesses neuroprotective activity with significant nootropic effects. The hydro alcoholic root extract of Bacopa monnieri. L showed the presence of various Gabapentin and flavonoids phenols may be the reason for its neuroprotection and memory improvement effects.