Cannabidiol improves memory and decreases IL-1β serum levels in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation

Aim: Memory improving and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD) were investigated in an experimental model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, LPS control, LPS + CBD 5 mg/kg bw, and LPS + CBD 10 mg/kg bw. Animals were treated with CBD 14 days before LPS administration and throughout the experiment. Step-through passive avoidance task, Y-maze, and novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to assess the memory functions. The following parameters were recorded: latency time, spontaneous alternations percentage (SA%) and recognition index (RI). IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β serum levels were measured to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of CBD. Results: LPS led to significant decrease of the recorded parameters in all memory tasks. This demonstrated the memory-impairing effect of LPS-induced inflammation. In the Y-maze and NORT tests, both doses of CBD increased SA% and RI, respectively. Significant difference was found in comparison with the LPS controls. Rats from the CBD treated groups showed increased latency in the step-through passive avoidance task. In the short-term memory test, both CBD doses significantly increased this parameter when compared with both control groups (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas in the long-term memory test, statistical significance was reached only in comparison with the LPS controls (p<0.01). CBD treatment failed to reduce TNF-α and IL-6 serum levels. The lower studied dose significantly decreased IL-10 and IL-1β concentrations compared to LPS controls (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: CBD improved spatial working and recognition memory in rats with LPS-induced inflammation. Suppression of IL-1β production could be attributed to the observed effect

Subchronic toxicity of Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae on male Wistar rats

Introduction: Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae, is a plant with anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, digestive, and antimicrobial properties that is widely used in folk medicine throughout the Balkan Peninsula. The name derives from the Greek word ‘sideros’, meaning iron, and it is believed that the plant was also used by soldiers to heal wounds caused by cutting weapons. Aim: The study aimed to assess the subchronic toxicity of a dry hydromethanolic extract from Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae. Materials and methods: To investigate the subchronic toxicity, male Wistar rats were given orally a solution of dry hydromethanolic extract daily for 12-weeks at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw. Blood and blood serum were collected at the end of the experiment, and different organs were prepared for histopathological examination. Statistical analysis was performed with One-Way ANOVA test, using IBM SPSS 19.0. Results: All hematological and biochemical results remained within the normal reference ranges described for the species. The histological examination showed no abnormalities in the morphology of the examined organs (brain, stomach, liver, and kidney). Conclusions: The study contributes to a better understanding of the possible pharmacological effects, while documenting the absence of toxicity and safe use of the herb for future new indications

Evaluation of the Effect of Cariprazine on Memory and Cognition in Experimental Rodent Models

The main symptoms of schizophrenia are categorized as positive, negative, and cognitive. Cognitive impairments do not generally respond to antipsychotics. Cariprazine is a novel antipsychotic conceived with the idea that high affinity for D3 receptors may elicit a favorable response in the management of cognitive deficits. We evaluated the pro-cognitive properties of 14-day long pre-treatment with cariprazine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally) in experimental rodent models with scopolamine-induced memory impairment employing novel object recognition test (NORT), T-maze, Y-maze, and passive avoidance tasks (step-through and step-down). Statistical analysis was performed with One Way ANOVA. In NORT cariprazine increased the recognition index. In T-maze and Y-maze cariprazine increased the working memory index as well as the percentage of spontaneous alternation. Cariprazine improved learning and memory in both short-term and long-term memory retention tests in step-down and step-through tasks. Cariprazine improves learning, recognition, and spatial memory in rats with scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Cariprazine’s beneficial effect on cognition is likely due to its affinity for D3 receptors, as well as agonism at 5-HT1A receptors. Most probably, the cognitive-enhancing properties of cariprazine are the result of integrated modulation in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex

Composition and chronic toxicity of dry methanol-aqueous extract of wild-growing Satureja montana

Introduction: Satureja montana is a wild growing medicinal plant, part of the Lamiaceae family. This herb is well known as a source of phenolic compounds, which can vary in a broad range depending on different factors and exert many pharmacological activities. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the composition and chronic toxicity of dry extract of Satureja montana. Material and methods: The composition was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatographic system with diode-array detector. To establish the chronic toxicity of dry extract of Satureja montana we used 40 eight-week-old male Wistar rats, treated orally with saline, olive oil (control groups), Satureja montana at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw, carvacrol – 500 mg/kg bw, and rosmarinic acid – 15 mg/kg bw. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and blood samples and organs for histological examination were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using IBM SPSS 19.0. Results: Rosmarinic acid and small quantities of carvacrol were found in the dry extract of Satureja montana. Full blood count and the biochemical parameters ASAT, ALAT, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and ionized Ca were in the reference values for 17+ weeks old male Wistar rats. The histological samples showed no signs of organ toxicity. Conclusions: The main ingredient in the dry extract of Satureja montana is rosmarinic acid. The extract is not toxic after 90-days oral administration

Anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant activities of Satureja montana dry extract

Introduction: Many chronic somatic and psychiatric diseases are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which have detrimental effects on human health. Aim: To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo immunomodulatory activities of Satureja montana dry extract. Material and methods: The in vitro antioxidant activity of Satureja montana dry extract was assessed using ORAC, HORAC, and electrochemical methods. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated in acute and chronic stress models by measuring the serum levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in a cohort of 112 male 8-week-old Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 7 groups for each of both stress models and then subjected to ELISA analysis (14 groups with 8 rats in each group). The rodents were gavaged with a dry extract of Satureja montana (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), rosmarinic acid (15 mg/kg), and carvacrol (500 mg/kg) for 14 days and 60 days, respectively. Results: We demonstrated that, for all employed in vitro methods, the dried extract of Satureja montana exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. Satureja montana did not significantly lower serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-1β in either stress model as compared to the positive saline control group. On the other hand, in the acute stress model, a dose of 250 mg/kg of Satureja montana significantly decreased IL-6 in comparison to carvacrol and significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-6 in comparison to rosmarinic acid. Conclusion: Although Satureja montana dry extract has significant antioxidant activity in vitro, its influence on systemic inflammation is still unknown. Future research will look into how it affects serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Cannabidiol improves memory and decreases IL-1β serum levels in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation

Aim: Memory improving and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD) were investigated in an experimental model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, LPS control, LPS + CBD 5 mg/kg bw, and LPS + CBD 10 mg/kg bw. Animals were treated with CBD 14 days before LPS administration and throughout the experiment. Step-through passive avoidance task, Y-maze, and novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to assess the memory functions. The following parameters were recorded: latency time, spontaneous alternations percentage (SA%) and recognition index (RI). IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β serum levels were measured to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of CBD. Results: LPS led to significant decrease of the recorded parameters in all memory tasks. This demonstrated the memory-impairing effect of LPS-induced inflammation. In the Y-maze and NORT tests, both doses of CBD increased SA% and RI, respectively. Significant difference was found in comparison with the LPS controls. Rats from the CBD treated groups showed increased latency in the step-through passive avoidance task. In the short-term memory test, both CBD doses significantly increased this parameter when compared with both control groups (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), whereas in the long-term memory test, statistical significance was reached only in comparison with the LPS controls (p<0.01). CBD treatment failed to reduce TNF-α and IL-6 serum levels. The lower studied dose significantly decreased IL-10 and IL-1β concentrations compared to LPS controls (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: CBD improved spatial working and recognition memory in rats with LPS-induced inflammation. Suppression of IL-1β production could be attributed to the observed effect

Anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant activities of Satureja montana dry extract

Introduction: Many chronic somatic and psychiatric diseases are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which have detrimental effects on human health. Aim: To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo immunomodulatory activities of Satureja montana dry extract. Material and methods: The in vitro antioxidant activity of Satureja montana dry extract was assessed using ORAC, HORAC, and electrochemical methods. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated in acute and chronic stress models by measuring the serum levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in a cohort of 112 male 8-week-old Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 7 groups for each of both stress models and then subjected to ELISA analysis (14 groups with 8 rats in each group). The rodents were gavaged with a dry extract of Satureja montana (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), rosmarinic acid (15 mg/kg), and carvacrol (500 mg/kg) for 14 days and 60 days, respectively. Results: We demonstrated that, for all employed in vitro methods, the dried extract of Satureja montana exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. Satureja montana did not significantly lower serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-1β in either stress model as compared to the positive saline control group. On the other hand, in the acute stress model, a dose of 250 mg/kg of Satureja montana significantly decreased IL-6 in comparison to carvacrol and significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-6 in comparison to rosmarinic acid. Conclusion: Although Satureja montana dry extract has significant antioxidant activity in vitro, its influence on systemic inflammation is still unknown. Future research will look into how it affects serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines