AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF KALYANAKGHRITA (KG) ON WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS IN ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT MICE

Introduction: Alcohol de-addiction is challenging due to the severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This article reports ameliorative effect of KalyanakGhrita (KG) on ethanol withdrawal symptoms in animal model. Material and Methods: After approval from Animal Ethics committee, alcohol dependence was developed in pre Rota road trained Swiss mice by intermitted access of 20% ethanol in 14 days. After confirmation of dependence, the animals were allocated in 6 groups, 6 animals in each group. Group I &II received distilled water & ethanol respectively. Group III to VI received cow ghee, KG in two dose level and Naltrexone respectively along with ethanol till next 14 days. Further alcohol abstinence was given but treatment drugs were continued for next 7 days. To note the effect of KG on withdrawal symptoms, animals was introduced to Rota rod on 0 day and 3^rd day for muscular incoordination and to EPM on day 0 day & 7^th day after abstinence of ethanol for anxiety assessment. Results: KG higher and lower dose demonstrated significant reduction in anxiety with the significance level of p< 0.001, p<0.01respectively whereas in muscular coordination KG showed reduction but statistically non-significant. General physical appearance and behavior of KG treated animals was similar to DW group. Discussion: The main measurable parameters of alcohol withdrawal are anxiety and muscular incoordination where KG showed ameliorative effect. The anticonvulsant, neuroprotective action of ingredients of KG may have contributed the results. Conclusion: KG effectively reduces the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms in ethanol dependent Swiss albino mice.