Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse

Lyophilised hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae) (Passion-flower), as well as chemical constituents of the plant, indole alkaloids (harman, harmin, harmalin, harmol, and harmalol) maltol and flavonoids (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin and isovitexin) were assessed for behavioral effects in mice. The accordance with the traditional use of P. incarnata, psychotropic properties were confirmed by some behavioral tests in mice. The anxiolytic properties of hydroalcoholic extract were confirmed at 400 mg/kg by the increase of rears and steps climbed in the staircase test (non-familiar environmental test), and the increase in locomotion and time spent in light side in the light/dark box choice test (non-familiar environmental test). The sedative properties of aqueous extract were confirmed at 400 g/kg by decrease of rears and steps climbed in the staircase test and the decrease of rears and locomotion in the free exploratory test. Moreover, the aqueous extract induced sleep in mice after treatment with a sub-hypnotic dose of pentobarbital.     

Behavioral effects of Euphorbia hirta L.: sedative and anxiolytic properties

Lyophilised aqueous extract of Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) has been evaluated for behavioral effects in mice. The extract did not induce any toxic effect when it was administered i.p. and orally. Sedative properties could be confirmed with high doses (100 mg of dried plant/kg, and more), by a decrease of behavioral parameters measured in non-familiar environment tests (activitest and staircase test), whereas anticonflict effects appeared at lower doses (12.5 and 25 mg of dried plant/kg), by an enhancement of behavioral parameters measured in the staircase test and in the light/dark choice situation test. These findings validate the traditional use of E. hirta as a sedative and reveal original anxiolytic properties.     

Terpenoid content of Valeriana wallichii extracts and antidepressant‐like response profiles

Three extracts of Valeriana wallichii DC (Valerianaceae) rhizome and fluoxetine were studied for antidepressant‐like activity in two behavioral models, namely the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). Fluoxetine as well as methanolic and aqueous extracts of V. wallichii induced monophasic dose‐related decrements in immobility times in both tests. However, the aqueous‐ethanolic fraction induced a biphasic dose‐response profile since it produced a graded effect up to 200 mg/kg but the highest dose (250 mg/kg) was inactive in the FST. This extract also exhibited significantly reduced activity at 200 mg/kg compared to lower doses in the TST. The highest doses of aqueous‐ethanolic extract also reduced locomotor activity which will have led to a negative functional interaction with antidepressant‐like effects. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous‐ethanolic extract of V. wallichii was the only separated rhizome fraction containing terpenoids. Furthermore, since the methanolic and aqueous extracts were active in the tests, it is suggested that the antidepressant‐like action of this herbal plant is not contingent upon its terpenoid constituents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Neuropharmacological effect of the aqueous extract of Sphaeranthus senegalensis in mice

Effects of the aqueous extract of Sphaeranthus senegalensis Vaill. (Family: Compositae) were studied on spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behaviour, rota-rod performance and pentobarbital sleeping time in mice. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity (LD(50)) values were also studied. The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) produced reduction in spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behaviour and motor coordination and prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time. Glycosides, saponins and tannins were shown to be present in the extract. The i.p. LD(50) in mice was 2735.61 and 5000 mg/kg orally. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of S. senegalensis contains some active principles, which may be sedative in nature.     

Pharmacological and Toxicological Study of Maytenus ilicifolia Leaf Extract. Part I – Preclinical Studies

One of the Brazilians medicinal plants most cited in ethnopharmacological surveys for the treatment of ulcers and gastric diseases was evaluated for its efficacy and toxicity. Maytenus ilicifolia leaf extract (MIE) was acutely and chronically (180 days) administered to rats, mice, and dogs. Acute tests were antiulcer effect and toxicological trials (observational pharmacological screening, LD50, motor coordination, sleeping time and motor activity). Chronic tests were the following: weight gain/loss and behavioral parameters in rats and mice; estrus cycle, effects on fertility, and teratogenic studies in rats and mutagenic features in mice, in addition to the Ames and micronucleus test. The following parameters were assessed in dogs: weight gain/loss, general physical conditions, water/food consumption, and anatomopathological examination of the organs subsequent to the 180‐day treatment. The results showed a clear antiulcer activity for MIE from 70 mg/kg and an absence of toxicological effects in the three animal species, even if given in high doses or over a long period. The present results confirm the antiulcer property and absence of toxicological effects in three animal species of MIE, which is in line with its current popular medicinal use. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK (Piperaceae)

An aqueous extract of the aerial part of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK (Piperaceae) was tested for anti-inflammatory (paw edema induced by carrageenin and arachidonic acid) and analgesic activity (abdominal writhes and hot plate) in rats and mice, respectively. Oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extract exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin test, which was based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis, as confirmed by the arachidonic acid test. In the abdominal writhing test induced by acetic acid, 400 mg/kg of the plant extract had the highest analgesic activity, whereas in the hot-plate test the best dose was 100 mg/kg. The LD(50) showed that Peperomia pellucida (5000 mg/kg) presented low toxicity.     

Effect of crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma and its constituents,crocin and safranal,on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice

Crocus sativus L. has been shown to interact with the opioid system. Thus, the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of stigma and its constituents were evaluated on morphine‐withdrawal syndrome in mice. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine for 3 days. On day 4, morphine was injected 0.5 h prior the interaperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the extracts, crocin, safranal, clonidine (0.3 mg/kg) or normal saline. Naloxone was injected (5 mg/kg i.p.) 2 h after the final dose of morphine and the number of episodes of jumping during 30 mm was considered as the intensity of the withdrawal syndrome. Clonidine, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of saffron reduced the jumping activity. Safranal was injected (s.c.) 30 mm prior and 1 and 2 h after the injection of morphine. It potentiated some signs of withdrawal syndrome. The aqueous extract decreased the movement in all of the doses (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) and the ethanolic extract decreased it in the dose of 800 mg/kg in open field test. But crocin and the dose of 400 mg/kg ethanolic extract showed no effect on activity in this test. It is concluded that the extracts and crocin may have interaction with the opioid system to reduce withdrawal syndrome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the analgesic effect of Echium amoenum Fisch & C.A. Mey. extract in mice: possible mechanism involved

Echium amoenum Fisch & C.A. Mey. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine as demulcent and analgesic in common cold from long ago. In this investigation, the analgesic effect of the methanolic extract of the petals of this plant on male albino mice was evaluated by formalin and hot-plate test. The methanolic percolated extract with different doses 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally to mice. The results showed that the dose of 10 mg/kg of extract had the highest analgesia in formalin (P<0.05) and hot-plate test (P<0.01) compared to the control group. The analgesic effect of extract was lower than morphine 2.5 mg/kg and ASA 300 mg/kg in the chronic phase of pain in formalin test (P<0.05) and in hot-plate test too (P<0.05). Pretreatment of animal with naloxone 4 mg/kg, s.c. 5 min before extract, decreased the analgesia induced by extract in hot-plate and acute phase of formalin tests; therefore, the opioid receptor may be involved at least partly in the analgesic effect of Echium amoenum extract. The results suggested that Echium amoenum extract has a suitable analgesic effect and further studies are required to evaluate these effects and the potential of the plant.     

Pharmacological evaluation of the folklore of Sphenostylis stenocarpa

The pharmacological effects of an aqueous extract of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seed were investigated in albino mice. Acute toxicity testing indicated the LD50 to be 570 mg/kg, i.p. The extract significantly potentiated pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. Increasing the dose of the extract correspondingly increased the sleeping time up to a dose of 60 mg/kg i.p. The extract did not protect mice from convulsions and death resulting from the administration of strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or leptazol (100 mg/kg, s.c.).     

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Rhus chirindensis (Baker F.) [Anacardiaceae] stem-bark aqueous extract in mice and rats

In an attempt to scientifically evaluate some of the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of Rhus chirindensis Baker F. ('red currant'), the present study was undertaken to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of the plant's stem-bark aqueous extract (RCE) in mice and rats. The analgesic effect of RCE was evaluated by 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' analgesic test methods in mice; while its anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects were investigated in rats, using fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus animal models. Morphine (MPN, 10 mg/kg), diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs for comparison. RCE (50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant (P<0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally- and chemically-induced nociceptive pain in mice. The plant's extract (RCE, 50-800 mg/kg p.o.) also significantly (P<0.05-0.001) inhibited fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation, and caused dose-related, significant (P<0.05-0.001) hypoglycaemia in normal (normoglycaemic) and diabetic (hyperglycaemic) rats. The flavonoids, triterpenoids and other chemical compounds present in RCE are speculated to account for the observed pharmacological effects of the plant's extract in the experimental animal paradigms used. The findings of this experimental animal study indicate that Rhus chirindensis stem-bark aqueous extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties; and thus lend pharmacological credence to the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant in the treatment and/or management of painful, arthritic, inflammatory conditions, as well as in the management and/or control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in some rural communities of South Africa.     

Preliminary studies of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Opuntia dillenii aqueous extract

Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw is a cactus that belongs to the family Opuntiae. Lyophilized aqueous extract of the fruits of the plant, used in Canarian traditional medicine for gastrointestinal and bronchial troubles, was evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in rats and mice. The Opuntia dillenii extract (100-400 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited, in a dose-related manner, carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. A dose-dependent action was obtained against chemical (writhing test) and thermic (hot plate test) stimuli, respectively, with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg.     

Anxiolytic effect of Rubus brasilensis in rats and mice

The aim of the present work was to investigate if infuse and ethanolic extracts (aqueous, butanolic and wax fractions) of Rubus brasiliensis Martius (Rosaceae) induce anxiolytic effect. The extracts were administered to male Wistar rats and Swiss mice per oral route, at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, 30 min before the behavioral evaluation in the elevated plus maze (EPM). Both infuse and wax ethanolic fraction at the dosage 150 mg/kg, vo, increased the number and the percentage of open arm entries of rats and mice. The aqueous and butanolic fractions, obtained from ethanolic extract, failed to induce anxiolytic effect. The treatment of mice with flumazenil (Ro 15–1788), 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p., 15-min before the administration of infuse or wax fraction, 150 mg/kg, vo, blocked the infuse or wax fraction-induced anxiolytic effect. The LD₅₀ for the wax fraction was 1000 mg/kg. In conclusion, the infuse and wax ethanolic fraction of R. brasiliensis present anxiolytic effect in rats and mice. In addition, it is suggested that the anxiolytic effect may be attributed at least to one liposoluble principle with low acute toxicity which may be acting as an agonist on GABA_A-benzodiazepine receptor complex.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Smilax china L. aqueous extract

The aqueous extract of the tuber of Smilax china L., popularly known in China as "jin gang ten", was tested for its anti-inflammatory activities in rats by egg-albumin-induced edema and anti-nociceptive effects in mice using hot-plate test and acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test, respectively. The aqueous extract in the dose of 1000 mg/kg (i.g.) had a significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect compared to physiological saline. The anti-inflammatory effects are similar to acetylsalicylic acid (200 mg/kg, i.g.). We also evaluated the aqueous extract for the inhibition of prostaglandin production (for COX-2 inhibitions) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophage cells. The result showed that both COX-2 activity and COX expression were inhibited by the extract. These active extracts suppressing activities warranted further studies of active principles and development of new anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Studies to determine correlation between chemical composition and pharmacological activity are underway.     

Neuropharmacological profile of Barleria lupulina Lindl. Extract in animal models

Barleria lupulina Lindl. is a popular medicinal plant distributed in mountains of southern and western India. In the present work, the effect of methanolic extract of aerial parts of B. lupulina on CNS activity has been evaluated. The CNS activity was tested in several experimental models, in mice and rats: general behavior, exploratory behavior, muscle relaxant activity, conditioned avoidance response and phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleeping time tests. The aerial parts of the plant B. lupulina was extracted with methanol and the solvent was removed by vacuum distillation. The methanol extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) showed reduction in general behavioral pattern (spontaneous activity, alertness, awareness, pain response and touch response) in a dose dependent manner. The extract was found to produce a significant reduction of the exploratory behavioral profile (Y-maze test, head dip test) and conditioned avoidance response with all the tested doses. The methanolic extract showed significant motor incoordination and muscle relaxant activity. The extract also potentiated phenobarbitone sodium induced sleeping time. Preliminary investigation showed that the methanol extract of B. lupulina has significant psychopharmacological activity.     

Pharmacological evidence favouring the folkloric use of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst in the relief of pain and fever

The methanol extract of Diospyros mespiliformis was evaluated for its claimed folkloric usage in the relief of pain and fever. Antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were evaluated in rats and mice. Studies were carried out on yeast-induced pyrexia in rats, acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, formalin test and egg albumin-induced anti-inflammatory activity in rats. The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg i.p.) gave a potent antipyretic effect for 100 mg/kg and significant activity (P<0.05) against all the analgesic and anti-inflammatory models used. The LD(50) of the extract was estimated to be 513.80+/-33.92 mg/kg i.p. in mice. These results provide support for the use of the plant in relieving pain and fever.     

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Myrtus communis L. Aerial parts in mice

Myrtus communis L. aerial parts have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disease. In this study 350 mice were divided into three main groups: negative (saline), positive (morphine or diclofenac) controls, and test groups. The acute toxicity was assessed for 2 days. Antinociceptive activity was performed using hot plate and writhing tests. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using xylene-induced ear edema and a cotton pellet test. According to phytochemical screening, the extracts contained tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The LD50 values of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 0.473 and 0.79 g/kg, respectively. In hot plate test, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed significant antinociceptive activity that was inhibited by naloxone. The extracts exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced writhing and also showed significant activity against acute inflammation which was dose dependent for aqueous extract. The ethanolic (0.05 g/kg) and aqueous extracts (0.005, 0.015, and 0.03 g/kg) demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects against chronic inflammation. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of M communis L. showed antinociceptive effects and these may be mediated by opioid receptors.     

Pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Neorautanenia mitis in rodents

The pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Neorautanenia mitis (family Papilonaceae) were studied in rodents. Investigations were carried out on acetic acid-induced writhing (pain) in mice and hind paw oedema in rats. The effects of the extract were also studied on the isolated non-pregnant rat uterus and rabbit jejunum. Results showed the extract to possess significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent anti-nociceptive activity between 12.5 and 50.0 mg/kg p.o. in mice and slight anti-inflammatory activity at 25 and 50 mg/kg p.o. in rats. The extract also produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the normal rhythmic contraction of the isolated non-pregnant rat uterus. It was found to inhibit oxytocin-induced as well as acetylcholine-induced contractions in the rat uterus. The extract also exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous contractions of the rabbit jejunum. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of saponin glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. The extract had an intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD(50) of 282.84+/-3.2 mg/kg in mice. These data corroborate the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.     

Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract

South Africa is blessed with a rich floral biodiversity of medicinally useful plants. One such plant is Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Family: Pedaliaceae). H. procumbens is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, the analgesic effect of H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, using the 'hot-plate' and 'acetic acid' test methods; while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the plant's secondary root extract were investigated in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg i.p.) was used as a reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for comparison. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. H. procumbens root aqueous extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant (p < 0.05-0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. H. procumbens root extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) also produced dose-related, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) of the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. Furthermore, the plant extract (HPE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens root aqueous extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties, and lend pharmacological support to the suggested folklore uses of Harpagophytum procumbens root in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

Postnatal development and reproductive performance of F1 progeny exposed in utero to an ayurvedic contraceptive: Pippaliyadi yoga

The purpose of this study was to characterize the putative anxiolytic-like activity of an ethanolic extract prepared from the leaves of Apocynum venetum (AV) using the elevated plus maze (EPM) in mice. Male C75BL/6 mice were either treated orally with the AV extract or the positive controls diazepam and buspirone, respectively, 1 h before behavioral evaluation in the EPM. A single treatment of AV extract markedly increased the percentage time spent on and the number of entries into the open arms of the EPM in doses of 30 and 125 mg/kg p.o., respectively. This effect was comparable to that of the benzodiazepine diazepam (1.5 mg/kg p.o.) and the 5-HT_1A agonist buspirone (10 mg/kg p.o.). The effects of AV in 125 mg/kg were effectively antagonized by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (3 mg/kg i.p.). However, the effects of AV extract could only partially be blocked by the unspecific 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.). Neither diazepam and buspirone nor the AV extract produced any overt behavioral change or motor dysfunction in the open field test. These results indicate that AV extract is an effective anxiolytic agent, and suggest that the anxiolytic-like activities of this plant are mainly mediated via the GABAergic system.     

Behavioral and toxicological studies of cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from Nepeta cataria

Two samples of catnip oil were analyzed by tic, gc, and hplc; the results indicated the presence of 23 components. Fractionation of the commercial sample of catnip oil by either distillation or gc yielded 40% nepetalactone and 43% nepetalic acid. Catnip oil, nepetalic acid, and a nepetalactone-enriched fraction were evaluated for toxicological and behavioral effects in mice and rats. The LD50 of catnip oil, the nepetalactone-enriched fraction, and nepetalic acid were found in mice to be: 1300 mg/kg, 1550 mg/kg and 1050 mg/kg, respectively. Catnip oil (500 mg/kg) and nepetalic acid (62.5 mg/kg) were found to significantly increase hexobarbital sleeping time in mice. Rats trained on a Sidman avoidance schedule showed a significant decrease in performance following intraperitoneal injections of catnip oil (500--750 mg/kg), nepetalic acid (125--250 mg/kg), and the nepetalactone-enriched fraction (500--750 mg/kg). Rats trained on the same avoidance schedule developed behavioral tolerance after daily injections of 750 mg/kg catnip oil.