Development and evaluation of a novel herbal formula for tobacco cessation in nicotine addicted rat model

Tobacco addiction is a major cause of disabilities and premature death. Numerous therapies for de-addiction are available; however, nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms pose problems for addicts. Here, we developed novel herbal formulations using natural plant parts and evaluated for de-addiction of nicotine. Parts of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Avena sativa L., Cinnamomum cassia Blume, Acacia catechu (L.f.)Willd., Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. were formulated in three formulations containing alcohol extracts (AELF), aqueous extracts (WELF) and powdered herbs (PHLF). Swiss albino Wistar rats were addicted with nicotine 10 mg/kg/day for first five days and 20 mg/kg/day for next 10 days subcutaneously. Control rats were administered with 0.9% NaCl (Group VII) and addicted animals were treated with bupropion, 40 mg/kg, p.o. (Group I), rid-tobak, 200 mg/kg, p.o. (Group II), AELF, 200 mg/kg, p.o. (Group III), WELF, 200 mg/kg, p.o. (Group IV), PHLF, 200 mg/kg, p.o. (Group V), 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, p.o. (Group VI) for 15 days. The animals were subjected to Y-maze test, swimming endurance test, behavioural studies on Day 0, 1, 6, 11 and on Day 16 after withdrawal of nicotine. On Day16, brain dopamine and serum cortisol levels were measured. Rats treated with AELF and PHLF showed significant improvement in behavioural parameters, increased brain dopamine level and decreased serum cortisol levels thus being a promising choice for tobacco cessation.