Evaluation of the effects of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge saponin extract on central nervous system functions

Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Aldarmaa JalsraiAxel Becker

Abstract

In traditional medicine, Astragalus mongholicus (AM) has been used for the treatment of general weakness, chronic illness, and to increase overall vitality. The present study investigated possible effects of the saponin fraction of AM on the central nervous system. Moreover, its effects on locomotor activity, anxiety, and hippocampal morphology were studied. AM extract was tested for its effects on locomotor activity using the Moti-Test, for situational anxiety in the elevated plus maze, and for anticonvulsant activity against acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and in the PTZ kindling model. It was shown that AM (50, 100, 200mg/kg) did not interfere with locomotor activity and situational anxiety as measured in the elevated plus maze. In these doses, AM significantly suppressed pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures (p<0.05). Its anticonvulsant efficacy was also evident against repeated PTZ seizures (p<0.05). This suggests potential therapeutic usefulness. After subchronic application, the number of cells in hippocampal CA1 was reduced, whilst the cell number in CA3 and hilus remained unaffected. Doses of AM extract which did not interfere with locomotor activity and situational anxiety appear to be useful in th...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 5, 2013·Epilepsia·Hui-Ling ZhuPeng Li
Dec 17, 2020·Phytotherapy Research : PTR·Bahare SalehiCarmen Sadaka
Jun 14, 2021·Neurochemical Research·Javad Sharifi-RadDaniela Calina
Jul 3, 2021·Journal of Ethnopharmacology·Myong Hak RiXuejun Jin

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