The acute effects of hydro-alcoholic khat (Catha edulis forsk) extract on locomotors and anxiety behaviours in mice

Zewdu Minwuyelet Gebremariam; Tesfaye Tolossa Dugul; Diresbachew Haile Wendimu; Vempati Poornodai; Vulli Venkata Rao; Suberu Safiu Adewale

Volume : VI, Issue : XI, November - 2017

The acute effects of hydro-alcoholic khat (Catha edulis forsk) extract on locomotors and anxiety behaviours in mice

Zewdu Minwuyelet Gebremariam, Tesfaye Tolossa Dugul, Diresbachew Haile Wendimu, Vempati Poornodai, Vulli Venkata Rao, Suberu Safiu Adewale

Abstract :

This in vivo random experimental animal study was conducted to evaluate the acute dose- and time- responses of crude Catha edulis extract on locomotors activity and anxiety-like behaviour in mice. A total number of 24 mice were used for this study. Serum was collected after the onset of oral administration of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg doses. The locomotors and anxiety- like behaviours were tested in the mice by subjected them to light /dark box activity test for an hour after oral administration. Data were acquired by the surveillance video tracking data acquisition system. results shown an increase in motor activity, and induce anxiety-like behaviours following the initial 15 to 20 minutes of anxieolytic-like effects with respect to dosage (4 groups, n=6 for each group). The increased locomotors activity is more likely induced by Catha edulis�s ability to enhance dopaminergic transmission from dopaminergic neurons like substantial nigra compacta to striata of the basal ganglia and retarding dopamine reuptake effect of Cathinone. The initial anxieolytic effect of Catha edulis more likely associated with more rapid onset of action of Cathinone, which agrees with its higher lipophilic character that facilitating entry into the CNS and a shorter duration of action, which agrees with the rapid metabolism of Cathinone.