Neuropharmacological evaluation of methanolic extract of Costus speciosus Linn. rhizome in Swiss albino mice

To evaluate the neuropharmacological properties of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) rhizome using different experimental mouse models. Methods: The anxiolytic effect was investigated by hole-board test, elevated plus maze and light/dark test, while central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect was evaluated by thiopental sodium-induced sleep test. Finally, antidepressant effect was evaluated by forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Results: In both elevated plus maze and hole board test, 400 mg/kg C. speciosus showed more significant CNS depressant effect than 1 mg/kg diazepam. Both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg C. speciosus extract produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in onset of sleep. In forced swimming test, C. speciosus rhizome showed a decrease in duration of immobility in a dose-dependent manner. Imipramine (10 mg/kg) and C. speciosus extract at 400 mg/kg dose exhibited a significant reduction in duration of immobility in tail suspension test which provided additional evidence of antidepressant effect of C. speciosus rhizome. Conclusions: Our study indicates that C. speciosus rhizome possesses CNS depressant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities. Further studies are warranted determine the exact phytoconstituents and mechanism of action responsible for the neuropharmacological effect.

Neuropharmacological evaluation of methanolic extract of Costus speciosus Linn. rhizome in Swiss albino mice

Objective: To evaluate the neuropharmacological properties of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) rhizome using different experimental mouse models. Methods: The anxiolytic effect was investigated by hole-board test, elevated plus maze and light/dark test, while central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect was evaluated by thiopental sodium-induced sleep test. Finally, antidepressant effect was evaluated by forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Results: In both elevated plus maze and hole board test, 400 mg/kg C. speciosus showed more significant CNS depressant effect than 1 mg/kg diazepam. Both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg C. speciosus extract produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in onset of sleep. In forced swimming test, C. speciosus rhizome showed a decrease in duration of immobility in a dose-dependent manner. Imipramine (10 mg/kg) and C. speciosus extract at 400 mg/kg dose exhibited a significant reduction in duration of immobility in tail suspension test which provided additional evidence of antidepressant effect of C. speciosus rhizome. Conclusions: Our study indicates that C. speciosus rhizome possesses CNS depressant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities. Further studies are warranted determine the exact phytoconstituents and mechanism of action responsible for the neuropharmacological effect.

Anti-inflammatory and Neuropharmacological activities of the seed extract of Setaria italica.

Setaria italica (Poaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, pain, arthralgia and many neurological disorders. The objective of the study is screening of ethanolic extract of Setaria italica seeds for possible anti-inflammatory and neuropharmacological activities in rats and mice respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema inhibition method while the neuropharmacological potential was evaluated by three separate methods: Hole-cross test, Open-field method and Phenobarbitone induced sleeping time test. The crude ethanolic extract of seeds of Setaria italica at 400 mg/kg body weight showed a strong anti-inflammatory activity with 20.16, 65.44, 65.5 and 71.15% inhibition of paw edema respectively after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hrs of carrageenan injection which is comparable to that of standard drug diclofenac sodium at 100 mg/kg body weight (% inhibition 92.3% at 4th hour **P<0.001). In Hole-cross test, ethanolic extracts of Setaria italica at 400 mg/kg body weight dose have prominent CNS depressant activity which is comparable to standard Diazepam. In open field test, S. italica at 400 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed the movements which is comparable to standard Diazepam. In Phenobarbitone induced test, Setaria italica did not show any significant CNS-depressant activity. The findings of the studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory and neuropharmacological properties of Setaria italica which could be therapeutic option against inflammation and neurological disorders.

CNS Depressant and Antinociceptive Effects of Different Fractions of Pandanus Foetidus Roxb. Leaf Extract in Mice

Background: Various parts of Pandanus foetidus Roxb. are used as traditional medicines. However, scientific reports concerning the effect of this plant on central nervous system (CNS) depression and analgesia are unavailable. This study investigated the CNS depressant and antinociceptive effects of Pandanus foetidus leaf extracts in a rodent model. Methods: The sedative and anxiolytic activities of Pandanus foetidus extract (500 g) were tested using behavioural models of Swiss albino mice, and the analgesic activity was assessed by formalin-induced pain and tail immersion tests at 200 mg/kg body weight of the mice. The data were analysed by a one-way ANOVA, a repeated measure of ANOVA and a non-parametric test (Kruskal-Wallis test) using the SPSS software. Acute toxicity was tested using an established method. Results: Compared with the aqueous fraction, the methanol, petroleum ether and chloroform fractions of the extract exhibited a more significant (P < 0.001) reduction of locomotor activity in the mice in the open field, hole-cross, and elevated plus maze (EPM). The methanol fraction maximized the duration of sleeping time caused by the thiopental sodium induction. The extract produced a significant step-down in pain, as shown by the paw licking time in the early and late phases of the formalin test. In the tail immersion test, the chloroform fraction maximally reduced the heat-induced analgesia. The extract was found to be non toxic. Conclusion: The methanol, petroleum ether, and chloroform fractions of P. foetidus have strong CNS depressant and antinociceptive effects and thus merit further pharmaceutical studies.

Isolation of compound and CNS depressant activities of Mikania scandens Willd with special emphasis to brain biogenic amines in mice.

Mikania scandens, a twining herb that grows as a weed in India and Bangladesh is used as vegetables and is a good source of vitamin A, C, B complex, mikanin, sesquiterpenes, betasitosterin, stigmasterol and friedelin. The present communication reports CNS depressant activities with special emphasis to brain biogenic amines in mice. Ethanol extract of leaves of M. scandens (EEMS) was prepared by Soxhalation and analyzed chemically. EEMS potentiated sleeping time induced by pentobarbitone, diazepam and meprobamate and showed significant reduction in the number of writhes and stretches. EEMS caused significant protection against pentylene tetrazole-induced convulsion and increased catecholamines and brain amino acids level significantly. Results showed that EEMS produced good CNS depressant effects in mice.

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and CNS Depressant Activities of the Methanolic Extract of Abelmoschus esculentus Linn. Seed in Mice.

Aims: The study was carried out to assess the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and CNS depressant activity of the methanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentus Linn. Seeds. Study Design: The Present study was designed to observe pharmacological activities of the crude extract of the plant Abelmoschus esculentus seeds. The study consisted of hot extraction of the seeds of the A. esculantus with methanol. Afterwards, Methanolic crude extract was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. Finally, screening of analgesic, antiinflammatory and CNS depressant activity of crude extracts of A. esculantus on Swiss Albino mice. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. January, 2013- July 2013. Methodology: The animals are divided into Four groups and each group consists of five mice. Analgesic activity was performed by acetic acid-induced writhing model and formalin induced licking and biting in mice. Anti-inflammatory effects of Abelmoschus esculentus seed extract were done by carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory method at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt., (p.o). The CNS depressant activity was evaluated by observing the reduction of locomotor and exploratory activities in the hole cross and opens field tests at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Results: In statistical analysis, the dose (200 mg/kg) was found to exhibit (significant p=0.05) better analgesic activity (65.16% and 54.38%) against both acetic acid and formalin induced pain in mice which is about similar to standard drug Indomethacin. The extract of A. esculentus (100 and 200mg/kg) also showed sustained inhibition (54.97% and 65.56%) of paw edema at the 4th hour compared to Indomethacin (74.17%). Besides this A. esculentus (significant p=0.05) seed extract (100 and 200mg/kg p.o.) also possesses depressant activity at 90min in both methods. Conclusion: this study recommends that the methanolic extract of the Abelmoschus esculentus seeds has significant CNS depressant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sedative and anxiolytic effects of ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae) leaves

Objective: To evaluate possible anxiogenic activity, sedative property and anxiolytic potential of crude ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves.Methods:evaluated using standard animal behavioral models, such as hole cross and open field; sedative property and anxiolytic potential were evaluated by conducting thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests and elevated plus-maze test. The anxiogenic activity of crude ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves was Results: The crude ethanolic extract exhibited a significant (P<0.05, P<0.001) decrease of motor activity and exploratory behavior in hole cross and open field tests. The extract also markedly increased both the number of visits to and time spent in the corners of the open field. The extract treated rats spent more time in the open arm of elevated plus-maze, showing its antianxiety activity. There was a decrease in the locomotor activity.Conclusions:The obtained results provide support for the use of this species in traditional medicine and warrant further investigation to isolate the specific components that are responsible for the sedative and anxiolytic effects. Components from this plant may have a great potential value as medicinal agents, as leads or model compounds for synthetic or semi synthetic structure modifications and optimization, and as neuropharmacological probes.

Sedative and anxiolytic effects of ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae) leaves

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate possible anxiogenic activity, sedative property and anxiolytic potential of crude ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The anxiogenic activity of crude ethanolic extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves was evaluated using standard animal behavioral models, such as hole cross and open field; sedative property and anxiolytic potential were evaluated by conducting thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests and elevated plus-maze test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The crude ethanolic extract exhibited a significant (P<0.05, P<0.001) decrease of motor activity and exploratory behavior in hole cross and open field tests. The extract also markedly increased both the number of visits to and time spent in the corners of the open field. The extract treated rats spent more time in the open arm of elevated plus-maze, showing its antianxiety activity. There was a decrease in the locomotor activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The obtained results provide support for the use of this species in traditional medicine and warrant further investigation to isolate the specific components that are responsible for the sedative and anxiolytic effects. Components from this plant may have a great potential value as medicinal agents, as leads or model compounds for synthetic or semi synthetic structure modifications and optimization, and as neuropharmacological probes.</p>

Central nervous system effects of Dioclea grandiflora pods on mice / Efectos en el sistema nervioso central de la vaina de Dioclea grandiflora en camundongos

Many plant substances are known for their interference with the central nervous system (CNS). Dioclea grandiflora Mart. Ex. Benth (Fabaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine to treat prostate disorders and kidney stones whose extracts from its seeds and root barks were reported to have a significant activity on the CNS and analgesic effect in rodents. In this study, the psychopharmacological activities of D. grandiflora were investigated, using the pods of this plant. Swiss mice were submitted to acute treatments with ethanol extract from the pods of D. grandiflora (EDgP) at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg by intraperitoneal administration followed by the evaluation of anxiety, depressant and anticonvulsant-related responses. The treatment with EDgP produced a depressant activity on the CNS and a sedative effect in mice. These findings suggest that EDgP has a central activity in mice, indicating an anxiogenic effect.

Varias sustancias de plantas son conocidas por su acción en el sistema nervioso central (SNC). La Dioclea grandiflora Mart. Ex. Benth (Fabaceae) es una planta utilizada en la medicina popular para tratar enfermedades en la próstata y piedras en los riñones, cuyos extractos de sus semillas y de las cáscaras de sus raíces presentan una actividad significativa sobre el SNC y efecto analgésico en roedores. En este estudio, las actividades psicofarmacológicas de D. grandiflora fueron investigadas, utilizando la vaina de la planta. Camudongos Swiss fueron sometidos a tratamientos agudos por la administración intraperitoneal del extracto etanólico de la vaina de D. grandiflora (EDgP) en dosis de 75, 150 y 300 mg/kg administrados intraperitonealmente seguida por la evaluación de respuestas relacionadas con la ansiedad, depresión y anticonvulsivo. El tratamiento con EDgP produjo una actividad depresora sobre el sistema nervioso central y un efecto sedante en camundongos. Estos resultados sugieren que EDgP tiene una actividad central en camundongos, indicando un efecto ansiogénico.

Analgesic and CNS depressant activity of methanolic extracts of cissus vitegenia and cissus pallida.

The main aim of the present study was to evaluate analgesic and CNS depressant activity of methanolic extracts of stem and roots of Cissus pallida and aerial parts of Cissus vitegenia in experimental animals. The analgesic activity was evaluated by Eddy’s hot plate method and CNS depressant activity was evaluated by using digital actophotometer. The study was carried out by using two different doses (200 and 400mg/kg body weight) of both the extracts. The preliminary pharmacological screening showed that both the extracts showed moderate analgesic activity and significant CNS depressant activity.

Central nervous system activity of Illicium verum fruit extracts

OBJECTIVE@#To research the acute toxicity of Illicium verum (I. verum) fruit extracts and its action on central nervous system.@*METHODS@#The TLC and HPTLC techniques were used as fingerprints to determine the chemical components present in I. verum. Male albino rats and mice were utilized for study. The powdered material was successively extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol using a Soxhlet extractor. Acute toxicity studies were performed as per OECD guidelines. The CNS activity was evaluated on parameters of general behavior, sleeping pattern, locomotor activity, anxiety and myocoordination activity. The animals were trained for seven days prior to experiments and the divided into five groups with six animals in each. The drug was administered by intraperitoneal route according to body weight. The dosing was done as prescribed in each protocol.@*RESULTS@#Toxicity studies reported 2 000 mg/kg as toxicological dose and 1/10 of the same dose was taken as therapeutic dose Intraperitoneal injection of all extracts at dose of 200 mg prolonged phenobarbitone induced sleeping time, produced alteration in general behavior pattern, reduced locomotor activity and produced anxiolytic effects but the extracts do not significantly alter muscles coordination activity. The three extracts of I. verum at the dose of 200 mg, methanol extract was found to produce more prominent effects, then hexane and ethylacetate extracts.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The observation suggested that the extracts of I. verum possess potent CNS depressant action and anxiolytic effect without interfering with motor coordination.

Analgesic and CNS depressant activity of the crude extract of Sesbania grandiflora.

Sesbania grandiflora, a plant of Fabaceae is full of various pharmacologically important components like, alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, triterpenes, gums, mucilage, and anthraquinone glycosides. From different previous research documents, various functions of different parts like leaf, flower, seed and also other parts of the plant have been known. For this experiment the leaf extract is used. Basically, the objective of the research work was to bring out the pharmacological effects (CNS and analgesic activity) of the leaf extract of the plant. The investigations had brought out the significant effects of extract. Hence, CNS depressant and analgesic drug can be produced from the leaf of Sesbania grandiflora through a suitable formulation.

Analgesic and CNS depressant activity of the crude extract of Sesbania grandiflora.

Sesbania grandiflora, a plant of Fabaceae is full of various pharmacologically important components like, alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, triterpenes, gums, mucilage, and anthraquinone glycosides. From different previous research documents, various functions of different parts like leaf, flower, seed and also other parts of the plant have been known. For this experiment the leaf extract is used. Basically, the objective of the research work was to bring out the pharmacological effects (CNS and analgesic activity) of the leaf extract of the plant. The investigations had brought out the significant effects of extract. Hence, CNS depressant and analgesic drug can be produced from the leaf of Sesbania grandiflora through a suitable formulation.

Central nervous system depressant effects of the ethanolic extract of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.).

The ethanolic leaf extract of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) was intended to evaluate the effect on the central nervous system (CNS) using a number of neuropharmacological experimental models in mice. The extract, at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, were shown to have CNS depressant activity by the reduction of locomotor and exploratory activities in the open field and hole cross tests. These results suggest that the extract possess CNS depressant activity. The results of statistical analysis showed that the plant extract had significant, (p<0.001) dose dependent, CNS depressant activities when compared to the control.

Potential of Pandanus odoratissimus as a CNS depressant in Swiss albino mice / Potencial de Pandanus odoratissimus como um depressor do sistema nervoso central em camundongos Swiss albinos

In this study, several neuropharmacological effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (family; Pandanaceae) were studied in albino mice using various experimental models. The effect of PO on the CNS was studied by using different neuropharmacological paradigms including spontaneous motor activity, rota-rod performance and potentiation of Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity studies were also carried out where LD50 >2000 mg/kg was considered non-toxic through acute exposure in rats by the oral route. The methanolic leaf extract (50,100 and 200 mg/kg i. p.) produced a reduction in spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination and prolonged Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time. Preliminary qualitative chemical studies indicated the presence of steroids, saponins, terpinoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and phenolics in the extract. These observations suggest that the leaf of Pandanus odoratissimus contains some active principles which possess potential CNS-depressant action.

Estudaram-se alguns efeitos neurofarmacológicos do extrato metanólico de Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (família Pandanaceae) em camundongos albinos, usando vários modelos experimentais. O efeito do PO no SNC foi estudado por meio de diferentes paradigmas neurofarmacológicos, como atividade motora espontânea, desempenho na haste rotatória e a potenciação do tempo de sono em camundongos albinos pelo pentobarbital sódico. A avaliação fitoquímica preliminar e os estudos de toxicidade aguda foram realizados e a DL50 >2000 mg/kg é considerada não tóxica, por meio da exposição aguda, por via oral, em ratos. O extrato metanólico de folha (50,100 e 200 mg/kg i. p.) produziu redução da atividade motora espontânea, da coordenação motora e tempo prolongado de sono pelo pentobarbital sódico. Estudos químicos qualitativos preliminares indicaram a presença de esteróide, saponinas, terpenóides, glicosídios, taninos, flavonóides e fenólicos no extrato. As observações sugerem que a folha de Pandanus odoratissimus contém alguns princípios ativos com atividade potencial como depressores do SNC.