The effect of "Glucinkovit " capsules on the functional state of the central nervous system and pain sensitivity in mice

Abstract

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, cognitive disorders, as well as conditions accompanied by pain syndromes, necessitate the search for appropriate corrective agents. The original remedy "Glucinkovit" capsules, manufactured by Leda LLC (Ukraine), containing glucosamine hydrochloride, ascorbic acid, rutin, riboflavin and zinc picolinate, is indicated for cold injuries, inflammatory joint diseases, and the prevention of respiratory viral infections. However, the combination of pharmacological properties of the components of "Glucinkovit" capsules gives reason to expect a range of central neurotropic effects and an influence on pain sensitivity. The aim of the study – to determine the effect of "Glucinkovit" capsules on the functional state of the central nervous system and pain sensitivity. In the experiments, outbred male white mice weighing approximately 40 g were administered contens of "Glucinkovit" capsules at a dose of 50 mg/kg (by glucosamine hydrochloride) intragastrically via a probe in the form of an aqueous solution in a volume of 0.1 ml/10 g 30–40 minutes before the start of testing. Control animals received an equivalent amount of water. The behaviour of mice under stress was assessed in the оpen field test. Movement coordination (rotarod test) and anxiety levels were evaluated in the light- dark box test, the dark compartment of which was equipped with an electrified floor. After the animal entered this compartment, it was subjected to a standard electric shock, which allowed testing of memory the next day for the formation of a conditioned avoidance reflex (CAR) based on changes in the latency period of entry. Pain sensitivity was assessed in the hot plate test, and the effect on depressive behaviour was assessed in the tail suspension test. The results were statistically processed (Mann–Whitney test, Fisher’s angular transformation). In the оpen field test, "Glucinkovit" capsules significantly reduced locomotor and exploratory activity and emotional reactions, indicating stress-protective and sedative properties. The sum of all activities was reduced by half (p < 0.05). In the light-dark box test "Glucinkovit" capsules had an anxiolytic effect, increasing the latency to enter the dark compartment of the apparatus by 4.7 times (p < 0.05). The nootropic properties of "Glucinkovit" capsules were indicated by an increase in the number of mice that, during the CAR test, met the criterion of learning – they did not enter the dark compartment of the apparatus, where they had previously received electrical stimulation, within 3 minutes (100% vs. 75% in the control group, p < 0.05). In the hot plate test, the analgesic effect of "Glucinkovit" capsules was shown by a 1.6-fold increase (p < 0.05) in the latency period of licking the hind paw. "Glucinkovit" capsules did not cause any disturbances in muscle tone or coordination of movements in the rotarod test; on the contrary, it tended to increase the fall latency of animals by an average of 1.8 times. "Glucinkovit" capsules had no effect on depressive behaviour in the tail suspension test: no significant changes were found in the latency period to first immobile suspension, nor in the number and duration of immobility episodes. Thus, original remedy "Glucinkovit" capsules has a favourable profile of central neurotropic effects: a combination of stress-protective, sedative, anxiolytic, nootropic and analgesic properties, with no side effects such as movement discoordination or depressogenic action.