Planta Med 2008; 74 - PA233
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084231

Oroxylin A has an awakening effect, and it also alleviates ADHD behavior in SHR

JH Cheong 1, SY Yoon 1, JH Ryu 2, CY Shin 3, KH Ko 4
  • 1Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139–742, Republic of Korea
  • 2Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130–701, Republic of Korea
  • 3Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 143–701, Republic of Korea
  • 4Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 139–742, Republic of Korea

Oroxylin A is a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, which is one of the most important medicinal herbs in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, we investigated the psychopharmacological effects of oroxylin A, using open field test, rotarod test, balanced wire test, sleeping test in mice. Oroxylin A significantly increased moved distance and rearing frequency in center area, and also increased running time on rotarod, duration time on wire. It also significantly increased onset time and decreased duration time in sleeping test (Figure). Because oroxylin A blocked thiopental-induced sleeping, we studied its awakening effect and other advantages. Oroxylin A antagonized the muscimol (GABAA receptor agonist)-induced Cl- current and its action is similar with bicuculline (GABAA receptor antagonist). We also screened the effects of oroxylin A on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using Spontanously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto Rat (WKY). SHR showed hyperactivity and inattention behavior compared to WKY, but this behavior alleviated by oroxylin A administration.

Fig. Effects of oroxylin A on thiopental sodium induced sleeping in ICR mice (n=10). Each bar represents mean±SEM of onset time and duration time. Oroxylin A versus control, * p<0.05 ** p<0.01

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by KFDA grant (S-06–02–2-CHM-230–0-B)

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