Effects of Withania somnifera Nicotine Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Background: Herbal medicines can be novel treatment strategies for management of nicotine addiction. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an Indian medicinal plant of great medicinal value; used in many clinically proven conditions. Objective: In present study we aimed at investigating the effect of withania somnifera extract (WSE) on preventing nicotine mediated effects attributed for the development of addiction. Material and Methods: Mice were treated with nicotine and/or WSE and subjected to nicotine induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in male albino mice was checked. Results: Application of two-way ANOVA showed that with preconditioning and post-conditioning values as a within-subjects (column) factor and treatment as an independent between subject (row) factor. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effect of treatment [F(3,40)=4.119, p<0.05], time [F(1,40)=23.76, p<0.001] and interactiontreatment x time [F(3,40)=5.244, p<0.01] on Intra-peritoneal (ip) administration of nicotine (1 mg/kg). WSE did not produce any changes in the preference to drug-paired compartment. Factors like treatment [F(3,40) = 0.656, p>0.05], time [F(1,40) = 7.383, p<0.01] and interactiontreatment x time [F(3,40) = 0.5748, p>0.05] showed insignificant effects. Withania somnifera (50,100,200 mg/kg ip) coadministered with nicotine during the 6 days conditioning sessions completely abolished the acquisition of nicotine-induced CPP in mice. Conclusion: Above data indicate that withania somnifera attenuate nicotine induced CPP. Hence it has potential as an anti-addictive therapy.