Neuropharmacologial effects of Cystoseira usneoides extract

The effects were studied of an extract of the brown algae Cystoseira usneoides on the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. At doses between 6.25 and 25 mg/kg the extract had significant effects on spontaneous locomotor activity, exploratory behaviour, D-amphetamine-induced hypermotility, body temperature, pentobarbitalinduced hypnosis, motor coordination and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. Dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid, 3-methoxytyramine and homovanilic acid levels were determined in rat striatum and they were slightly modified. The extract also displayed analgesic activity. We conclude that the extract of Cystoseira usneoides is a CNS depressant with slight analgesic effects.     

Anticonvulsive activity of Albizzia lebbeck, Hibiscus rosa sinesis and Butea monosperma in experimental animals

The ethanolic extracts of leaves of Albizzia lebbeck and flowers of Hibiscus rosa sinesis and the petroleum ether extract of flowers of Butea monosperma exhibited anticonvulsant activity. The bioassay guided fractionation indicated that the anticonvulsant activity lies in the methanolic fraction of chloroform soluble part of ethanolic extract of the leaves of A. lebbeck, acetone soluble part of ethanolic extract of H. rosa sinesis flowers and acetone soluble part of petroleum ether extract of B. monosperma flowers. The fractions protected animals from maximum electro shock, electrical kindling and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice. The fractions also inhibited convulsions induced by lithium-pilocarpine and electrical kindling. However, they failed to protect animals from strychnine-induced convulsions. The fractions antagonised the behavioral effects of D-amphetamine and potentiated the pentobarbitone-induced sleep. The fractions raised brain contents of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin. These fractions were found to be anxiogenic and general depressant of central nervous system.     

Analgesic and central depressor effects of the dichloromethanol extract from Schinus molle L.

The analgesic and central depressor effects of the dichloromethanol extract of Schinus molle L. were analysed in in vivo models. This extract showed low acute toxicity, CNS depressor activity and analgesic effect. Following further fractionation, the hexane/dichloromethane (75/25) fraction showed the most interesting results. Thus, this fraction caused a total inhibition of motor activity and significantly reduced the threshold of pain to chemical stimulus. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Central nervous system depressant activity of an ethyl acetate extract from Ipomoea stans roots

Ipomoea stans Cav., popularly known as "tumbavaqueros", is a plant widely used in Mexico for the treatment of epileptic seizures and nervous disorders. This work researched the action of the ethyl acetate extract from the root of I. stans (IS-EAE) on the central nervous system (CNS). The administration of IS-EAE (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) produced an anxiolytic effect in mice. This extract (20.0 and 40.0 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced spontaneous motor activity. 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg/kg of IS-EAE protected mice against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions and increased the hypnotic effect induced by pentobarbital. The administration of IS-EAE was able to increase the release of GABA in brain cortex of mice. These results suggest that IS-EAE possess anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects, and could have potential sedative effect, probably through a GABAergic system. The extract did not show antidepressant effects on mice exposed to forced swimming test.     

Neuropharmacological activity of Nigella sativa L. extracts

Pharmacological studies have been conducted on the aqueous and methanol extracts of defatted Nigella sativa L. seeds to evaluate their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and on analgesic activity. The observations suggest that the two extracts of Nigella sativa possesses a potent CNS and analgesic activity (depressant action especially in the case of the methanolic extract).     

Anticonvulsant and Sedative Effects of Crude Extracts of Ternstroemia pringlei and Ruta chalepensis

Ternstroemia pringlei Rose (Theaceae) and Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) have been used frequently for many years in Mexican traditional medicine as sedative and anticonvulsant remedies. In order to evaluate the attributed properties of these species on the CNS, some neuropharmacological tests were done. The methanol extract of T. pringlei flowers signifcantly delayed the onset of tonic seizures induced by strychnine; it diminished mortality totally and the number of animals that exhibited convulsions. R. chapepensis leaf and stem extract extended sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital; in addition, it showed protection against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions by increasing the latency period and diminishing the death rate. Extracts of both species inhibited electrically induced contraction in guinea-pig ileum; in each case, the effect was concentration-dependent.     

Pharmacological activities of extracts of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. and Dalz. (Leguminosae)

Extracts of the stem bark of Daniellia oliveri using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were tested for analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory activities. The hexane extract exhibited a dose related analgesic activity whilst the methanolic extract was active in the induced inflammatory condition. The ethyl acetate extract was relatively inactive and none of the extracts showed any antipyretic activity. Metabolic cage studies showed that a 70% ethanolic extract of the bark caused significant decreases in body weight, food intake, urine and stool output of rats. This extract also exhibited a competitive antagonism on histamine-induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum and a non-competitive inhibition of acetyl choline-induced contraction of the frog rectus abdominis muscle.     

Pharmacological Study of Cuscuta campestris Yuncker

The dried ethanol extract of the whole plant of Cuscuta campestris Yuncker was studied for its analgesic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory as well as CNS-depressant activities. The extract was given orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. A significant protection against the p -benzoquinone-induced writhing response in mice was observed. A marked lowering of the body temperature of both hyperthermic as well as normothermic mice was produced. Therefore, the extract possesses a hypothermic rather than an antipyretic effect. A marked inhibition of the carrageenan-induced rat hind paw oedema was also obtained. Regarding its CNS action, the extract produced a decrease in the motor activity of mice placed on a rotarod. In the conditioned avoidance reaction test the percentage of failure to avoid electric shock was shown to be increased after administration of the extract without any effect on the escape behaviour of the trained rats. Therefore, the CNS-depressant activity of the extract seems to be due to a tranquillizing effect. It could be concluded that the extract possesses analgesic, hypothermic, antiinflammatory as well as CNS-depressant activities.     

Pharmacological evaluation of the dichloromethanol extract from Inula crithmoides L.

The pharmacological effect of the dichloromethanol extract of Inula crithmoides L. was analysed in in vitro and in vivo models. The extract dose-dependently decreased arterial blood pressure and furthermore it showed low acute toxicity, CNS depressor activity and analgesic and antiinflammatory effects. Preincubation of the guineapig ileum and rat duodenum (100 μg/mL) produced a significant reduction in the contractile effects of histamine and acetylcholine and a concentration-related inhibition of the effects of serotonin. Following further fractionation the methylene chloride/acetone (50/50) fraction caused a significant decrease in motor activity and significantly reduced the threshold of pain chemical stimulus.     

Pharmacological screening of the methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of Genista patens

The pharmacological effects of the dichloromethanol and methanol extracts obtained from leaves and stems of Genista patens DC were analysed in in vitro and in vivo models. Both extracts showed low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 3 g/kg), CNS depressor and antiinflammatory activity, and similar analgesic effect in models of chemical and thermal stimulation. Furthermore, the dichloromethanol extract (1–20 mg/kg) induced a pronounced dose-dependent decrease on blood pressure. On isolated organs, the dichloromethanol extract (1, 10, 100 μg/mL) shifted the concentration-effect curve to the right for ACh and reduced the E_max induced by histamine without modifying responses induced by noradrenaline and serotonin.     

CNS activity of Calotropis gigantea roots

Alcoholic extract of peeled roots of Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) was tested orally in albino rats at the dose level of 250 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight for CNS activity. Prominent analgesic activity was observed in Eddy's hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhings. The paw licking time was delayed and the numbers of writhings were greatly reduced. Significant anticonvulsant activity was seen as there was a delay in the onset of pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions as well as decrease in its severity. The extract treated rats spent more time in the open arm of EPM showing its antianxiety activity. There was a decrease in the locomotor activity. The fall off time (motor coordination) was also decreased. A potentiation in the pentobarbitone-induced sleep due to the sedative effect of the extract was observed. No mortality was seen upto the dose of 1 g/kg. These results show the analgesic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative effect of the extract.     

Anticonvulsant, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Taxus wallichiana Zucc

Taxus wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan Yew) is often used in northern areas of Pakistan for the treatment of pyrexia, acute pains and epilepsy. We have investigated certain pharmacological activities of the methanol leaf extract against convulsion, nociception and pyrexia induced in rodents. The aim was to justify and explore its folk uses in these pathological conditions, on scientific basis. The studies were carried out using acetic acid-induced nociception and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice, while formalin test and yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Significant analgesic (67.77 and 74.29%) effect was found in acetic acid-induced model at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg, i.p. respectively. Crude extract exhibited significant (P<0.05) inhibition of the formalin noxious stimulation on both early and late phases of pain by the extracts (100 and 200mg/kg doses). In case of yeast-induced pyrexia model, 200mg/kg dose showed very significant (P<0.01) inhibition while 50 and 100mg/kg dose caused a significant (P<0.05) inhibition. Plant extract has controlled the pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice. 100 and 200mg/kg i.p doses of the extract significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the mioclonus and clonus while inhibition of tonus and hind limb tonic extension (HLTE) was highly significant (P<0.01). The anticonvulsant activity of this plant has been reported for the first time throughout the whole genus. The observed pharmacological activities provide the scientific basis for the folkloric use of the plant in treating epilepsy, pyrexia and acute pain.     

Effects of Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra on the central nervous system in mice

A methanolic extact of Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra roots has been investigated for its possible effects on the central nervous system of mice. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg (i.p.), the methanol extract of Gentiana roots caused a significant increase in the swimming endurance test and exhibited slight analgesic activity, but no lethality in mice suggesting some activity on the central nervous system. However, there was no indication of sedation or muscular fatigue at the doses employed. HPLC analysis showed that three secoiridoid compounds, gentiopicroside, swertiamarine and sweroside were present and may have been responsible for the CNS effects of the methanol extract of Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra roots.     

Evaluation of the analgesic and CNS actions of different fractions from the methanol extract of Teucrium flavum L.

Different fractions (F-1, F-3, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8) of the methanol extract from Teucrium flavumL. have been tested for their central nervous system and analgesic activities at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Fractions F-1, F-3 and F-7 showed CNS depressant activity, while fractions F-5, F-6 and F-8 had a slight CNS stimulant action. Fractions F-5, F-6, F-7 and F-8 were responsible for the analgesic activity of the extract. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti‐Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activity of Urera aurantiaca

Urera aurantiaca Wedd. (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to relieve pain in inflammatory processes. In the present study, the in vivo anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of U. aurantiaca methanolic extract and its possible mechanisms of action were investigated. The extract showed anti‐inflammatory activity in the ear edema in mice test (34.3% inhibition), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was markedly reduced in animals administered with the extract: within 49.6% and 68.5%. In the histological analysis, intense dermal edema and intense cellular infiltration of inflammatory cells were markedly reduced in the ear tissue of the animals treated with the extract. In the carrageenan‐induced hind paw edema in rats assay the extract provoked a significant inhibition of the inflammation (45.5%, 5 h after the treatment) and the MPO activity was markedly reduced (maximum inhibition 71.7%), The extract also exhibited significant and dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on the increased vascular permeability induced by acetic acid. The extract presented antioxidant activity in both 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azinobis 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline 6‐sulfonic acid tests and its total phenol content was 35.4 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of extract. Also, the extract produced significant inhibition on nociception induced by acetic acid (ED₅₀: 8.7 mg/kg, i.p.) administered intraperitoneally and orally. Naloxone significantly prevented this activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Himanthalia elongata on the central nervous system of mice

The effects of a Himanthalia elongata extract were studied on the CNS of mice. A rich protein solution obtained from the seaweed was assayed for myorelaxant, anticonvulsant and analgesic activity and for its effects on spontaneous locomotor activity, amphetamine-induced hypermotility, exploratory behaviour, barbiturate-induced sleep, and body temperature. Very significant reductions in spontaneous motor activity, hypermotility and exploratory behaviour were found. The extract prolonged barbiturate-induced sleep and postponed pentylenetetrazol-induced death. Weak myorelaxant, hypothermic and analgesic effects were also observed, showing that H. elongata can depress the CNS.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Orbignia phalerata in rats

The chloroformic extract of the dried fruits of Orbignia phalerata exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties as shown by the inhibition of carrageenannduced acute inflammation, cotton pellet granuloma and formalin-induced arthritis in rats. It did not show any CNS sedative, narcotic or antipyretic effects. A mild analgesic effect which may be of peripheral origin was noticed in the acetic-induced writhing test in mice. The extract, unlike phenylbutazone, neither influenced leucocyte migration into carrageenan-impregnated polyester-sponges nor enhanced the bleeding time in the mesenteric vein micropuncture study. It did not provoke gastric lesions on continuous medication for a consecutive period of 21 days in rats. These results provide a scientific validation of its traditional use in arthritic conditions, and suggest that the drug may be a useful alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs presently available with a different spectrum of activity.     

Analytical study and analgesic activity of oripavine from Papaver somniferum L.

After the isolation of an alkaloid from Papaver somniferum L. var. nigrum, its structure was determined by means of IR, UV and ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy, and MS, together with a selective O-methylation assay. The alkaloid was identified as 6,7,8,14-tetrahydro-4,5-epoxy-6-methoxy-17-methyl morphinan-3-ol (oripavine). The analgesic activity of this compound was studied in the mouse using the hot plate technique after i.p. drug administration. The effect lasted 60–90 min. The percentage analgesic effect (% A) and lethal doses (LD₅₀) are presented. Oripavine appears to have a similar analgesic potency to morphine, but a lower therapeutic index because of severe toxicity. Toxic signs of oripavine were clonic-tonic convulsions followed by death. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anticonvulsant activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Bunium persicum (Boiss). B. Fedtsch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bunium persicum is an endemic plant to Iran which its seeds have a long history of medicinal uses.

Aim of the study

This work aimed to study the anticonvulsant effect of the essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant.

Materials and methods

The essential oil and methanolic extract of the plant were studied against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in mice in different doses. The neurotoxicity of the essential oil and methanolic extract was investigated using rotarod method.

Results

The essential oil and methanolic extract prolonged the onset of clonic and tonic seizures in PTZ. The tonic seizures were prevented by essential oil in both methods at dose of 1 mL/kg and higher doses. The methanolic extract inhibited PTZ-convulsions at dose 3 g/kg and was ineffective against MES induced convulsion.

Conclusions

The essential oil of the plant might be useful to control absence and grand mal seizures at dose 1 mL/kg. This activity might be due to its content of monoterpenes.     

Pharmacological investigations of sticky viscome extract (Cleome viscosa L.) in rats,mice and guinea-pigs

The aqueous extract of seeds of Cleome viscosa L. has been studied for its pharmacological activities. It was found to be nontoxic when dosed orally and intraperitoneally to rats and mice. The extract showed significant analgesic activity in mice and local anaesthetic activity in guinea-pigs. It potentiated the barbiturate sleeping time in rats and had a mild laxative effect, increasing the passage of soft faeces. It failed to protect against convulsions induced by picrotoxin in rats. The results are discussed in terms of the alleged uses of the plant in folklore medicine.