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Baicalin regulates the dopamine system to control the core symptoms of ADHD
This 2019 study used a specific attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) model in rats to test the therapeutic potential of baicalin (an herbal extract). This rat model (using spontaneously hypertensive rats) depended on the dopamine deficit theory. Firstly, 50 rats were randomly chosen to be treated with either methylphenidate (MPH), baicalin, or saline. The group receiving baicalin were administered with one of three strengths (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 150 mg/kg). All rats were treated for 4 weeks, even the rats used in the control experiment (10 Wistar Kyoto rats). Hyperactivity decreased and spatial learning memory deficit improved in the ADHD-model rats that received baicalin (100mg/kg and 150mg/kg) and in those administered with methylphenidate, compared with the saline treatment. Moreover, methylphenidate considerably increased dopamine levels in two areas of the brain (the prefrontal cortex and the striatum). Dopamine levels were also found to be significantly higher after treatment with baicalin but only in the striatum. It may be that baicalin targets the striatum. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of baicalin in controlling the core symptoms of ADHD. There were connections between the pharmacological impact of baicalin with the synthesis and release of dopamine, suggesting that baicalin may be effective at treating ADHD. [NPID: ADHD, baicalin, herbs, herbal extract, dopamine, hyperactivity, methylphenidate]
Year: 2019
