Mehta, A KBinkley, PGandhi, S STicku, M K1991-08-012009-05-271991-08-012009-05-271991-08-01Mehta AK, Binkley P, Gandhi SS, Ticku MK. Pharmacological effects of Withania somnifera root extract on GABAA receptor complex. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1991 Aug; 94(): 312-5http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/18602A methanolic extract of W. somnifera root inhibited the specific binding of [3H]GABA and [35S]TBPS, and enhanced the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to their putative receptor sites. The extract (5 micrograms) inhibited [3H]GABA binding by 20 +/- 6 per cent whereas a concentration of 1 mg of the extract produced 100 per cent inhibition. The extract (5-100 micrograms) produced 20 +/- 4 to 91 +/- 16 per cent enhancement of [3H]flunitrazepam binding. In functional studies using 36Cl-influx assay in mammalian spinal cord neurons, W. somnifera root extract increased 36Cl-influx in the absence of GABA. This effect on 36Cl-influx was blocked by bicuculline and picrotoxin; and enhanced by diazepam. These results suggest that the W. somnifera extract contains an ingredient which has a GABA-mimetic activity.engAnimalsChlorides --metabolismFemaleMiceMice, Inbred C57BLPlant Extracts --pharmacologyPregnancyReceptors, GABA-A --drug effectsgamma-Aminobutyric Acid --metabolismIn Vitro