EFFECTS OF NARDOSTACHYS-JATAMANSI ON BIOGENIC-AMINES AND INHIBITORY AMINO-ACIDS IN THE RAT-BRAIN

The effect of acute and subchronic administration of an alcoholic extr act of the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi on norepinephrine (NE), dop amine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), gam ma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and taurine were studied in male albino W istar rats. The acute oral administration of the extract did not chang e the level of NE and DA but resulted in a significant increase in the level of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. A significant increase in the level of GABA and taurine was observed in the drug-treated groups when compared to the controls. A 15-day treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of NE, DA, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, and GABA. These data indicate tha t the alcoholic extract of the roots of N. jatamansi causes an overall increase in the levels of central monoamines and inhibitory amino aci ds.