Effect of Celastrus paniculatus on trace elements of cerebellum in ageing albino rats

BACKGROUND: In Indian traditional system of medicine Celastrus paniculatus extract has been used to improve intellect, memory and for the treatment of various mental disorders. PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of this medicinal plant on serum biochemistry. METHODS: Ethanolic extract of seed of Celastrus paniculatus (2g/kg/body weight) was orally administrated for 16 days in 20 months old albino rats. The results were compared with 3 months, 12 months and 20 months old control rats. The concentration of trace elements was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Significant variation was observed in the concentration of trace elements. In case of copper there was decrease in content in early aged (0.240 ± 0.004) control and age control (0.115 ± 0.004) rats whereas an increase in treated aged rats (0.124 ± 0.004) was observed. Non significant variation was observed in zinc content. Young control rats possessed 0.683 ± 0.004 (µg/ml) zinc contents in cerebellum. Age control animal showed the highest level of Zn 0.954 ± 0.002. Celastrus paniculatus treated rat show revealed the lowest level of zinc 0.457 ± 0.003 (µg/ml) in cerebellum. Young control rat had 0.066 ± 0 (µg/ml) manganese content which was significantly decreased in early age control (0.022 ± 0.0008) followed the significant increase in age control (0.087 ± 0.002). Treated rats possessed the decreased content than age control but higher than young and early age control. Non significant decrease in cobalt content was observed during ageing as in young control the highest cobalt content was 0.084 ± 0.0007 followed by decrease in early age control 0.83 ± 0 and age control 0.006 ± 0.0007 (µg/ml). Treated rats showed an increase in cobalt content up to 0.032 ± 0.0007. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study revealed that the determination of trace elements in blood and tissues has been widely used in the last two decades as a tool to understand their metabolic role in human and animals.