Abstract

To evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera on cuprizone induced multiple sclerosis models on Swiss albino mice. Multiple sclerosis was induced in mice by using cuprizone as the inducing agent which caused demyelination of neuron and ultimately death of nerve cells. Glatiramer acetate was used as the standard drug and extract was used as the study drug. Neuronal damage was assessed by in vivo parameters (assessment of learning and memory, locomotor activity, motor coordination and assessment of sensation). The study showed that orally administered extract had ameliorative effect on cuprizone induced oxidative and neurodegenerative stress. From the findings it is evident that extract enhanced the learning, memory, motor coordination and sensory perception in demyelinated mice. Treatment with Withania somnifera prevents the neuronal death, causes remyelination of damaged neurons and also enhanced the sensory perception in mice.