Protective effects of Coccinia grandis (L.) voigt root extract on chemotherapy induced nausea like behavior in rat pica model

Cisplatin-induced chemotherapy causes nausea-like behaviour in a rat pica model through serotonergic and dopaminergic activation, calcium dysregulation and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the protective effects of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt hydroalcoholic root extract (3.71% w/w) in this model. Rats were administered cisplatin (3 mg/kg, i.p.) and treated with ondansetron (5 mg/kg, p.o.), metoclopramide (50 mg/kg, p.o.), Extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.). Cisplatin significantly reduced body weight (171.0 ± 3.52 g) and increased kaolin intake (421.2 ± 56.12 mg/day). Extract (400 mg/kg) restored body weight (189.6 ± 4.11 g) and reduced kaolin intake (113.4 ± 17.17 mg/day). It also decreased dopamine (195.2 ± 11.54 to 119.4 ± 16.35 ng/g) and serotonin (1.3220 ± 0.1058 to 0.9550 ± 0.1232 ng/mg), reduced malondialdehyde (2.072 ± 0.122 to 1.613 ± 0.212 nmol/mg), and improved superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase levels. These findings demonstrate significant antiemetic activity in the rat pica model.