Oral administration of Phytolacca baccis (Poke root) extract increases brain serotonin metabolism and decreases food intake in rats
2006
Haider, S. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Neurochemistry and Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit) | Roohi, M. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Neurochemistry and Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit) | Khaliq, S. | Perveen, T. | Haleem, D.J.
Central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT serotonin) system plays a key role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. Evidence also shows that causes of obesity are also linked to the brain serotonin levels. Most of the medications for the treatment of obesity work by increasing the availability of anorexiogenic neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present work Phytolacca baccis, a weight reducing homeopathic medication was used to study its effects on food intake and brain serotonin metabolism in rats. After 4 weeks of daily administration of drug, the rats exhibited a decrease in food intake and body weight. Brain serotonin metabolism on the other hand increased. The drug also exhibited anxiogenic effects in rats when tested in an elevated plus maze (EPM). The results of the present study suggest that Phytolacca baccis induced increases of brain 5-HT levels may be involved in the weight reducing effects of the drug.
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