Efficacy of Ashwagandha and Brahmi Extract on Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Laboratory Rats

Akhilesh Mishra, Pushpit Gupta, Bhupinder Singh Kalra and Yogesh Kumar Tiwari

Background and Objective: Ashwagandha and Brahmi have shown GAB Anergic activity and possess neuroprotective, antianxiety and antioxidant properties which could be of use in combating alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The aim of the study was to find the effect of Ashwagandha and Brahmi extract on alcohol withdrawal syndrome in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats of either sex were divided into 5 groups. Control rats were par-fed with the iso-caloric liquid diet. Modified Liquid Diet with ethanol at increasing dosage was given for 21 days to other groups. Ashwagandha (3.75 mg of withanolide glycosides per kg bodyweight) and Brahmi (10 mg of bacosides per kg bodyweight) were administered orally while Diazepam (2 mg kg^–1) was injected intraperitoneally 45 min before ethanol withdrawal to respective groups. After 6 h of the withdrawal period, seizure threshold and withdrawal signs of rats were studied. Results: Ashwagandha and Brahmi treated groups were significantly effective in controlling seizure and agitation when compared with the alcohol group. Brahmi and diazepam treated groups were effective in suppressing stereotypic behaviour when compared with alcohol groups and found similar to the control group. No significant difference was found in locomotor activity among all the groups. Conclusion: These herbs may be developed into a suitable formulation for the control of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

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