Neuroprotective potential of Costus speciosus on neurotransmitters levels in noise stress condition in rats

Abstract

Exposure to overwhelming stress could lead to development of mental disorders and worsening of existing ones. The impact produced by exposure to stress might be affected by the seriousness of the stressor, the time amid which it is connected (acute vs. chronic). In traditional practice of medicine, C. speciosus extract exhibits antistress action so we aimed to test whether this extract plays a vital role in maintaining the brain's chemical transmitters levels during acute noise stress conditions. The levels of Dopamine (DA), Norepinephrine (NE) and Serotonin (5HT) were analysed by reverse phase HPLC in cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissue of acute noise stress exposed, C. speciosus extract (250mg and 500mg) and fluoxetine treated rats. Norepinephrine and dopamine were found to be increased in contrast to 5-HT levels in stressed group of rats, whereas CSE 500 mg could alleviate the said alteration. This study highlights the importance of C. speciosus extract therapy to noise stress induced rats by testing the neurotransmitters levels in brain tissue to understand its therapeutic potential.