Effect of Slimaluma, an enriched phytochemical composition of Caralluma fimbriata in long term hypoperfusion injury in rats

Long term cerebral hypoperfusion (LTCH) by the permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) causes sever reduction in blood flow and energy metabolism chiefly manifested by behavioral and cognitive deficit [1]. This has been a model for the cerebrovascular insufficiency and neurodegenerative states [2]. Here we have investigated the effect of Slimaluma (SL), a branded product and an enriched phytochemical composition developed from Caralluma fimbriata (CF) [3] a traditionally claimed neuroprotective agent, against long term hypoperfusion induced damage using two different paradigms for the behavioral studies in the rats. 36 male wistar rats were used for two different models (open field test, morris water maze), each having 3 groups (sham operated control, vehicle treated control, SL- 500mg/kg p.o.) The permanent BCCAO was carried out with the 3.0 silk suture followed by the survival surgery [1]. 24 hours later, the drug treatment was started and lasted 14 days. On the 14^th day, 60min after the last dose, all the rats were subjected to the behavioral testing [4,5]. Data were analysed by the student t test wherein the vehicle treated controls were compared with sham operated controls and the SL treated rats were compared with control rats. In the open field test, the vehicle treated control rats showed a reduced number of ambulation (p<0.05) along with an increase in period of immobility while SL prevented these alterations indicating the prevention of hypoperfusion induced anxiety [4]. In morris water maze, hypoperfused vehicle treated control rats required a longer time to find the submerged platform reflecting a defective learning process [5] while SL treatment showed significant attenuation showing improvement in the spatial memory impairment [4]. The altered spatial discrimination and induction of anxiety are common outcomes of permanent BCCAO [1] which was significantly attenuated by SL treatment.

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