Effect of Neurexan on the pattern of EEG frequencies in rats

Abstract

BackgroundVarious medications of natural origin have effectively treated stress-related disorders, such as sleep disturbances and agitated conditions. The efficacy of Neurexan, a multicomponent, low-dose medication, has been demonstrated in observational studies, but its exact mechanism of action has not been determined.MethodsTo characterize the effects of Neurexan on the central nervous system, we analyzed the spectral frequencies of field potentials in four rat brain areas after a single oral administration of Neurexan. Different doses of Neurexan were tested within a crossover design, and effects were compared with vehicle control.ResultsSignificant effects were observed with 0.5 tablets of Neurexan, predominantly on δ- and θ-waves in the frontal cortex and reticular formation (P < 0.01). In the reticular formation, significant changes of δ- and θ-waves occurred as early as during the first hour after administration. The time course revealed a significant and longer-lasting increase of δ- and θ-waves in the frontal cortex and reticular formation, whereas other spectral frequencies were only transiently affected in the frontal cortex, reticular formation, and striatum.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrated that the low-dose medication Neurexan influences central nervous system activity in rats. The resulting electroencephalographic profile of Neurexan shows several similarities with those of other calming agents, such as Valeriana and Passiflora, suggesting a potential benefit of Neurexan for patients with stress-related disorders. Moreover, this report demonstrates that electroencephalographic signatures are also valid biomarkers for the assessment of low-dose medications, such as Neurexan.

EEG revealed improved vigilance regulation after stress exposure under Nx4 – A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial

“…It is approved by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (German: Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte [BfArM]) for the treatment of sleep disorders and restlessness. Its effects have been demonstrated in several human ( Doering et al, 2016 , Herrmann et al, 2020 , Hübner et al, 2009H , Waldschütz and Klein, 2008 ) and rodent studies ( Dimpfel, et al, 2012 ). Thus, the intake of Nx4 for 28 days was shown to improve sleep quality by increasing sleep duration and reducing sleep latency as reported in patients’ sleep diaries over 14 days, and at the end of the study ( Waldschütz and Klein, 2008 ).…”

Local field potential power spectra and locomotor activity following treatment with pseudoephedrine in mice

“…Local field potentials induced by standard stimulants in major brain areas, including the striatum of rats, have been analyzed and expressed as electropharmacograms to predict the efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of bioactive substances (Dimpfel, 2009). Changes in the EEG frequency patterns in rats were detected in response to the administration of multicomponent drugs (Dimpfel et al, 2012). Presentation of EEG frequencies following CNS drug administration is sometimes called EEG finger print.…”

fMRI Revealed Reduced Amygdala Activation after Nx4 in Mildly to Moderately Stressed Healthy Volunteers in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Trial

“…An observational study conducted in 49 German general practices also showed a significantly greater reduction of nervousness/restlessness in participants taking Nx4 (reduction of 11.5 ± 7.3 score units) for two weeks in customized doses than participants taking valerian (reduction of 9.0 ± 6.6 score units) for two weeks (p < 0.001) 22 . Nx4 was also shown to significantly (p < 0.001) change EEG signatures in rats that received a single oral dose of Nx4 in comparison to a vehicle control 23 . Dimpfel et al found altered delta-and theta-waves in the frontal cortex and reticular formation, suggesting a calming effect of Nx4 23 .…”

“…Nx4 was also shown to significantly (p < 0.001) change EEG signatures in rats that received a single oral dose of Nx4 in comparison to a vehicle control 23 . Dimpfel et al found altered delta-and theta-waves in the frontal cortex and reticular formation, suggesting a calming effect of Nx4 23 . The efficacy of Nx4 on psychological and neuroendocrine responses under acute stress was recently investigated by Doering et al 24 .…”