Behavior Alterations Caused by Methamphetamine and Its Prevention by Nigella Sativa in Male Albinos Mice
Abstract
Introduction: Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug of illicit in youth nowadays universally. It is a neuro-stimulant with neurodegenerative effects, causes significant depression, nervousness, motor instabilities and cognition deficiency both in humans and rodents.Nigella sativa (N.S) is used globally effective against various illnesses including neurological and psychological illness.
Objective: To estimate behavioral alterations caused by METH-induced neurotoxicity and hyperlocomotor activity in male albino mice.
Methodology: This experimental study was carried on NIH guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and ethical approval from institutional ethical review committee (LUMHS/REC/342) dated: 07-05-2015. This study includes 45 healthy adult male mice of average 25-40gm body weight.
Results: Mean ±SD of distance covered in 5 minutes by open field test in control groups was 1194 cm±2.0, in METH group was 1406cm±17 and in rats given NS with METH was 1270cm±44.5. Mean ±SD of immobility time (in seconds) by tail suspension test in control groups was 97.7seconds ±9.7, in METH group was 207.87 seconds ±54.6 and in mice given NS with METH was 87.20seconds ±14.6.
Conclusion: Nigella sativa found protective against Meth induced behaviouralaterations in mice.