Reduction of voluntary ethanol consumption in alcohol-preferring Alko alcohol (AA) rats by desoxypeganine and galanthamine

The effects of desoxypeganine, an alkaloid from Peganum harmala L., and of galanthamine, an alkaloid from Galanthus nivalis L., on voluntary ethanol consumption were investigated in female Alko alcohol (AA) rats. Desoxypeganine-HCl reduced ethanol intake and ethanol preference dose-dependently at a dose range between 10 and 30 mg/kg body weight when given by gavage. Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal applications of desoxypeganine lead to even more pronounced decreases of ethanol intake and ethanol preference. The effects of desoxypeganine and galanthamine seem to be additive. A combination of both substances in doses, which were ineffective when administered alone, caused a significant decrease of ethanol preference. To exclude habituation to desoxypeganine treatment, the substance was given once daily over a period of 16 days. No decreases of the desoxypeganine effects on ethanol intake, total fluid intake, and ethanol preference were observed. This attenuation of ethanol preference combined with unchanged total fluid intake and food consumption represents a promising activity especially because no acquirement of tolerance after repeated administration was observed.