Salvia hispanica (White chia): A new window for its antidepressant and memory boosting activity

To determine the effects of Salvia hispanica on activities related to memory, anxiety and depression. Albino rats as well as albino mice were utilized in the current study. Two groups of animals were made including 10 animals in each group. One was a control group and another was treated group. Neuropharmacological parameters were assessed using Light and Dark box test, Stationary rod activity, Water maze test, Open field activity and Home cage activity. The control group was maintained on water and treated group was fed with approximately 106 mg/kg extract of Salvia hispanica for 30 days. The observations were recorded on 1st day, 15th day and 30th day. The results of current study showed an increased time spent in the light box of Light and Dark box model, reduction in elapsed time utilized by animal to reach platform in Stationary rod and water maze model, reduced number of peripheral square and central square crosses in the open field and decreased number of cage crosses in the home cage activity. Salvia hispanica shows memory enhancement and also shows an antidepressant activity on chronic administration.

Methylphenidate increases the urinary excretion of vanillylmandelic acid in rats that is attenuated by buspirone co-administration

Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used for the treatment of (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome in children and adults. After chronic administration it is known to produce behavioral disorders including anxiety. Previous studies demonstrated that co-administration of buspirone can reduce behavioral and cognitive adverse effects produced by methylphenidate. The aim of the present study is to measure the levels vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) excretion in urine following prolong administration of methylphenidate, buspirone and their combination. Samples of urine for the estimation of the urinary VMA excretion were collected from treated and control male Wistar rats. We found significant (P<0.01) raised urinary VMA excretion in methylphenidate group however significant (P<0.01) reduction in VMA levels were seen after buspirone co-administration. Excretion of VMA in urine would allow the monitoring of sympatho-adrenomedullary system activity. This study could be helpful to increase the clinical use of methylphenidate in the treatment of different disoders.