Abstract
The effect of acute and subchronic administration of an alcoholic extract of the roots
of Nardostachys jatamansi on norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
(5-HIAA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and taurine were studied in male albino Wistar
rats. The acute oral administration of the extract did not change the level of NE
and DA but resulted in a significant increase in the level of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. A significant
increase in the level of GABA and taurine was observed in the drug-treated groups
when compared to the controls. A 15-day treatment resulted in a significant increase
in the levels of NE, DA, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, and GABA. These data indicate that the alcoholic
extract of the roots of N. jatamansi causes an overall increase in the levels of central monoamines and inhibitory amino
acids.
Key words
Nardostachys jatamansi
- Valerianaceae - biogenic amines - GABA - taurine - brain