Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Citrus Aurantium on Selected Higher Functions in Methamphetamine Exposed Male Wistar Rats

Abstract Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that is mainly used as a recreational drug and less commonly as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. This present study investigated effect of aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantium on selected higher functions in methamphetamine exposed male wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male wistar rats weighing between 180-200g were randomized into five groups. Group 1, control, received 0.1mls of distilled water, Group 2 received 0.1mls of methamphetamine, Group 3 received 0.1mls of aqueous extracts of Citrus aurantium, Group 4 received 0.1mls of methamphetamine and 0.1mls of 100mg/kg per body weight of Citrus aurantium extracts and Group 5 received 0.1mls of methamphetamine and 0.1mls of 200mg/kg per body weight of Citrus aurantium extracts respectively for 52 day. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were anaesthesized by inhalation using 50% chloroform, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture into heparinized bottles. The brains were harvested and fixed with sucrose solution for biochemical assay using standardized methods and kits. Data was analyzed using graph pad prism version 5.0. Intergroup differences were statistically significant when P< 0.05. Administration of methamphetamine caused significant increase (P< 0.05) in dopamine and nitric oxide concentration in methamphetamine, Citrus aurantium, methamphetamine + 100mg/kg per body weights extracts of Citrus aurantium and methamphetamine + 200mg/kg per body weights extracts of Citrus aurantium groups in comparison to the control groups and significant decrease (P