Neuropharmacological Assessment of Sweet Potato Proteins in Mice

Abstract

Objective :

To assess the neuropharmacological effects of Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam tuberousproteins in male white albino mice.

Subjects:

72 adult male mice of NMRIstrain (weighing 25-30 gms) were used. Animals weredivided into 12 groups (6 in each group). Each group of animal was treated individually with salinewater (5 ml/Kg, p.o.), proteins isolated from I. batatas (1.5 and 3.0 mg/Kg, p.o.), standard drugsDiazepam (5.0 mg/Kg, i.p.) and Morphine (5.0 mg/Kg, i.p.).

Methodology:

I) General behavior was assessed bya) Undisturbed observation (awareness, alertness, spontaneous activity).b) Response by least provoking stimuli (sound, touch, and pain). Pain nociception determinedby small artery clamp at the base of tail & pain anti nociception by tail immersion test.II) Exploratory behavior was determined by Hole Board test.Statistical analysis : Statistical analysis of difference between groups was evaluated by One wayANOVA followed by post hoc Tuckey test for comparison between drugs (standard and test) andvehicle treated control groups.

Results:

The results revealed that the proteins isolated from I. batatas (1.5 and 3.0 mg/Kg, p.o.)caused no significant change in exploratory behavior (p > 0.05), but demonstrated decrease inspontaneous motor activity, pain response and touch response in general behavior profile.

Conclusion:

I. batatas tuber proteins have exerted CNS depressant and analgesic activities in thetested animal model.