Hypoglycemic effect of Cecropia obtusifolia on streptozotocin diabetic rats.

The hypoglycemic effects of water and butanolic extracts prepared from leaves of Cecropia obtusifolia (Cecropiaceae) were examined in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of a water extract at doses of 90 and 150 mg/kg and of a butanol extract at doses of 9 and 15 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats after 3 h administration. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar hypoglycemic effect to the tested extracts at a dose of 3 mg/kg. The flavone, isoorientin and 3-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), were isolated as the important constituents of the plant and were identified as the main constituents in both extracts, too.     

Pharmacological activity of South American plants: effects on spontaneous in vivo lipid peroxidation

The in vivo protective effects of methanol extracts of eight South American medicinal plants traditionally used as antiinflammatory were determined by means of spontaneous lipid peroxidation of liver tissue in rats. The production of TBARS was reduced in a dose dependent manner for A. macrocarpa (IC50 = 132 mg/kg), A. urundeuva (IC50 = 176 mg/kg), C. reticulata (IC50 = 561mg/kg) and S. obtusifolium (IC50 = 918 mg/kg). The extracts of P. peltata and U. tomentosa were only effective at a high concentration (300 mg/kg), although these values were not significant. The lyophilized latex of C. lechleri decreased the production of TBARS at a 200 mg/kg dose, although pro-oxidant effects were observed at lower doses (50 mg/kg). The extract of H. pallida was pro-oxidant at lower concentrations (50 mg/kg).     

Acute and chronic hypoglycemic effect of Ibervillea sonorae root extracts-II

Ibervillea sonorae's root, or "wareque" (Cucurbitaceae), is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for the control of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the hypoglycemic effects produced by the acute and chronic administration of various extracts of Ibervillea sonorae were investigated. Both the traditional preparation (aqueous decoction) and the raw extract (juice) from the root resulted in significant reductions of glycemia in healthy mice after intraperitoneal administration at a dose of 600 mg/kg. Additionally, ground dried root was used to obtain a dichloromethane (DCM) extract and a methanol (MeOH) extract. The DCM extract induced a clear reduction of glycemia in healthy (P < 0.05) and in alloxan-diabetic mice. The intraperitoneally administered DCM extract caused a severe hypoglycemia that produced lethality in all the treated animals when doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight were used. Since the DCM extract showed a marked hypoglycemic activity, it was administered daily per os to alloxan diabetic rats, employing corn oil and tolbutamide as controls. After 41 days of DCM extract administration at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day, diabetic rats showed improvement in glycemia, body weight, triglycerides, and GPT in comparison with the diabetic control group. Total cholesterol, GOT, and uric acid blood levels were not affected.     

Diuretic activity of the stem-bark extracts of Steganotaenia araliacea hochst [Apiaceae

The diuretic activity of the stem-bark extracts of Steganotaenia araliacea (SbESa) and effects on urine electrolytes in rats was studied. Furthermore, a toxicological effect of the SbESa on several tissues was investigated. Groups of male Wister albino rats (170 +/- 0.77 g) were employed. Four doses of 20mg/kg body weight (b.w.), of SbESa (water, methanol, ethanol) and furosemide were administered intraperitoneally (IP). The control group received normal saline alone by oral administration. The 24-h urine outputs per day (in ml) were: normal saline (1.57 +/- 0.11); water extract (3.18 +/- 0.24); methanol extract (3.22 +/- 0.29); ethanol extract (3.62 +/- 0.27) and furosemide (4.22 +/- 0.23). The urine output among the extracts (water, methanol, ethanol) and the furosemide against the control was statistically significant, (P < 0.05), (P < 0.05), (P < 0.02), and (P < 0.01), respectively. The ethanol preparation gave the highest diuretic activity among the extracts. There was marked increase in K(+) ion excretion (122 +/- 7.3 mMol/l) in the ethanol extract as compared to control (95.8 +/- 1.2 mMol/l) and furosemide (standard) (90.05 +/- 0.1 mMol/l). The LD(50) of 1.75 g/kg body weight was observed and the histopathological examination reveals damage to vital organs. The authors conclude that though there are compelling evidence of diuretic potentials in the use of the stem-bark of Steganotaenia araliacea, the toxic effects on vital organs is a drawback to its recommendation for use as a diuretic agent.     

In vivo antimalarial activities of Quassia amara and Quassia undulata plant extracts in mice

Extracts obtained from two Nigerian Simaroubaceae plants, Quassia amara L. and Quassia undulata (Giull and Perr) D. Dietr were screened for antimalarial properties using a total of six extracts. The plant extracts showed significant antimalarial activities in the 4 day suppressive in vivo antimalarial assay in mice inoculated with red blood cells parasitized with Plasmodium berghei berghei. Plant extracts were studied at 100 mg and 200 mg per kg body weight mouse per day, respectively. At a concentration of 100 mg/kg of mouse, Q. amara leaf hexane extract had the highest suppressive activity with a parasite density of 0.16 +/- 0.001%. Q. amara leaf methanol extract had an outstanding activity; of 0.05 +/- 0.03% at 200 mg/kg. Chloroquine (10 mg/kg, positive control) had a suppressive activity of 0.34 +/- 0.02 in the same assay on day 4.     

Gluconeogenesis inhibition and phytochemical composition of two Cecropia species

Aim of the study

Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata are plants highly used by the Mexican diabetic population to treat type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have assessed their hypoglycemic effect in animal models and in type 2 diabetic patients. Both plants contain cholorogenic acid, an inhibitor of glucose-6-phosphate translocase. In this work, we found a mechanism by which to understand how these plants could produce the observed hypoglycemic effect according to their traditional use. To test the hypothesis that targeting gluconeogenesis with an inhibitor of Gl-6-P translocase could result in a reduction of hepatic glucose production, we examined the effects of Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata on gluconeogenesis (in vivo) and the activity of the enzyme (in vitro).

Materials and methods

The extracts of the two plants were analyzed by HPLC to confirm their phytochemical composition. To test the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in vivo, a pyruvate tolerance test (2 g/kg) was performed in 18-h fasted n5-STZ rats. The effect of the extracts (Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata 150 mg/kg) on glucose-6-phosphatase activity was assayed in vitro with intact rat liver microsomes.

Results

Using HPLC-DAD, we confirmed that the main components of both species are chlorogenic acid and isoorientin. Diabetic rats treated with the extracts showed a lower glucose curve. The tested extracts were able to reduce the increase in the glucose blood level, and they inhibited the glucose-6-P activity with IC₅₀s of 224 μg/ml for Cecropia obtusifolia aqueous, 160 μg/ml for Cecropia obtusifolia butanolic, 146 μg/ml for Cecropia peltata aqueous and 150 μg/ml for Cecropia peltata butanolic.

Conclusions

The results of the experiments presented here suggest that the administration of both plants can improve glycemic control by blocking the hepatic glucose output, especially in the fasting state. These data support the traditional use of the plants as “agua de uso”, a cold infusion of the plant consumed over the course of a day.     

Cardiovascular effects of the South American medicinal plant Cecropia pachystachya (ambay) on rats

Cecropia pachystachya is used in South America for relieving cough and asthma. In Argentina it is known as "ambay" and grows in the neotropical forests (Ntr C.p.) and in temperate hilly regions (Tp C.p.). To evaluate their cardiovascular profile, the effect of extracts obtained from plants growing in the neotropical region as well as in temperate areas were compared by i.v. administration in normotensive rats. The following parameters were measured: blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The hypotensive effect was stronger for Ntr C.p., which aqueous extract decreased BP at doses between 90 and 300 mg lyophilised/kg until 46.2 +/- 12% of basal. The extract of Tp C.p. reduced BP to 86.1 +/- 11% of basal (p < 0.05 respect to Ntr C.p.) at 180 mg/kg, but increased HR at 90 and 180 mg/kg (until 133.6 +/- 10.8% of basal, p < 0.05) and produced death by respiratory paralysis at 320 mg/kg (about 3g dry leaves/kg). The hypotensive effects, but not the chronotropic ones, were attenuated by pretreatment with reserpine (5 mg/kg). The plant extracts had not diuretic activity by oral administration in conscious rats, nor produced vasodilation of perfused hindquarters arterial bed precontracted with high-[K] or 100 microM phenylephrine. The results suggest that neotropical ambay is more hypotensive than the one from the temperate hilly region. When it reaches plasma, it could produce hypotension (by central blockade of sympathic innervation of vessels) and tachycardia (by central cholinergic inhibition of heart), although it happens at doses higher than the oral ethnotherapeutic (about 340 mg dried leaves/kg).     

Anti-diabetic effect on alloxanized and normoglycemic rats and some pharmacological evaluations of Tournefortia hartwegiana

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the pharmacological properties of Tournefortia hartwegiana Steud (Boraginaceae), used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, diarrhea and kidney pain in Morelos, Mexico. Administration of methanol extract from aerial parts of Tournefortia hartwegiana (310 mg/kg body weight/day) for 10 days, to normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, significantly lowered their blood glucose levels (37 and 36%, respectively, p<0.05). The anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic activities due to the MeOH extract were similar to those produced by metformin at 120 mg/kg (positive control, p<0.05). In contrast, the hexane, dichloromethane and MeOH extracts from the same species showed no significant spasmolytic effect and did not have activity in antibacterial and Artemia salina toxicity bioassays.     

Screening for antimalarial activity in the genus Potomorphe

Ethanolic extracts (CEE) of leaves from Potomorphe umbellata and Potomorphe peltata, popularly said to have antimalarial capacity, were submitted to the 4-day suppressive test in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The CEE of P. umbellata administered either orally (250 and 1250 mg/kg) or subcutaneously (100 and 500 mg/kg) evidenced strong antimalarial activity, significantly reducing the levels of parasitaemia in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, the CEE of P. peltata was ineffective in lowering the parasitemic levels in malarious mice, which had been treated either orally (500 mg/kg) or subcutaneously (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg). An ethanol extract of the dry whole plant of P. peltata was also inactive.     

Synergistic effect of methanol extract of Abies webbiana leaves on sleeping time induced by standard sedatives in mice and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts in rats

During the determination of LD50 values of extracts of Abies webbiana, it was observed that the methanol extract (MEAW) produces sedation of animals. This led to investigation of the effect of MEAW on sleeping time in mice. When various doses of the methanol extract (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered alone, no hypnotic activity was observed. However, these exhibited significant synergistic effects (P < 0.001) at those dose levels in mice when administered prior to the administration of standard sedatives (pentobarbitone sodium: 50 mg/kg and diazepam: 6 mg/kg, respectively). In addition anti-inflammatory effects of methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts of Abies webbiana leaves in rats were performed to assess scientific validity of the medicinal claim of Indian folk medicine. The effects of leaf extracts (methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether) against inflammation were studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. The methanol extract (400 mg/kg p.o.) of leaves of Abies webbiana showed the best significant anti-inflammatory activity as compared to that of diclofenac sodium (150 mg/kg p.o.). The LD50 values of methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts were found to be 986, 1387, and > 3200 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, the therapeutic index of methanol extract may be favorable to open a new vista on combination therapy of hypnotics and may also against inflammation.     

Hypoglycemic, vasorelaxant and hepatoprotective effects of Cochlospermum vitifolium (Willd.) Sprengel: a potential agent for the treatment of metabolic syndrome

Cochlospermum vitifolium (Willd.) Sprengel is a Mexican medicinal plant that is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis and related diseases. The purpose of the present study was to assess the pharmacological properties of different extracts from Cochlospermum vitifolium bark as potential agent for the treatment of some factors related with metabolic syndrome (MS), a complex disease produced for several pathophysiological factors such as visceral fat obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and liver steatosis. Hexane (HECv), dichloromethane (DECv) and methanol (MECv) extracts were subjected to some pharmacological assays to determine their vasorelaxant and hypoglycemic activity. On the other hand, MECv was also evaluated to determine its hepatoprotective effect on sub-chronic experimental assay. HECv showed a significant endothelium-independent relaxation on rat aorta rings (intact endothelium: IC(50)=14.42+/-5.90 microg/mL, E(max)=92.71+/-8.9%; denuded endothelium: IC(50)=27.94+/-4.0 microg/mL, E(max)=78.68+/-4.6%) and MECv produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation (IC(50)=21.94+/-6.87 microg/mL, E(max)=79.12+/-7.80%) on this tissue. Furthermore, HECv (at a dose of 120 mg/kg) also showed a significant decrease of blood glucose levels (p<0.05) on normoglycemic rats. Moreover, MECv (at a dose of 100 mg/kg) also was administered to bile duct-obstructed rats to determine its hepatoprotective activity, showing a statistically significant decrease of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (PGT, 45%) and alkaline phosphatase (APh, 15%) (p<0.05). Finally, we obtained a crystalline polyphenolic compound from MECv by spontaneous precipitation. Those crystals were identified as (+/-)-naringenin by X-ray diffraction, NMR, IR and GC-MS techniques. Results suggest that Cochlospermum vitifolium could be used as a potential agent against MS since it shows hypoglycemic, vasorelaxant and hepatoprotective properties.     

Studies on diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus methanol extracts in rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: Orthosiphon stamineus (Labiatae) is a traditional folk medicine widely used in Southeast Asia for the treatment of several kidney disorders, gout and as a diuretic. This study was conducted to examine the diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diuretic effect of different methanol extracts was examined by treating different groups of Sprague-Dawley rats with single (2g/kg) oral doses of methanol and methanol:water (1:1) extracts. Hydrochlorothiazide (10mg/kg) was used as positive control in acute study. Methanol and methanol water (1:1) extracts at 0.5 g/kg were administered for a period of 7 consecutive days. Cumulative urine volume and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentrations at different time intervals were measured. On the other hand, hypouricemic activity of methanol:water extract (1:1) was experimented using different oral single doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg). Allopurinol was used as positive control. Uric acid concentration in serum was analyzed by using RP-HPLC at 280 nm. RESULTS: Sodium and potassium excretion increased significantly (p<0.05 and <0.01) in the first 8h of treatment with a single dose (2g/kg) of the extracts in a pattern comparable to that of the known diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Meanwhile, repeated administration of 0.5 g/kg methanol:water (1:1) extract showed a significant increase in urine volume (from day 3 to day 7) (p<0.01) and electrolytes excretion (Na+ and K+) from day 2 to day 7 (p<0.05 and <0.01). On the other hand, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg of methanol:water (1:1) extract and the standard allopurinol reduced the serum urate level in hyperuricemic rats at hour 6. CONCLUSION: These results provided an evidence of the high tendency of methanol:water (1:1) extract of Orthosiphon stamineus towards diuretic and hypouricemic effects in rats.     

Antidotal effect of Stenoloma chusanum(L.) Ching against arsenic and ammonium

The antidotal effect of four extracts from Stenoloma chusanum on acute poisoning of mice caused by arsenic and ammonium chloride was observed. The result shows: extracts B and C can reduce the mortality of mice remarkably, while extract C can raise the tolerance of mice by raising their LD50 from 31.1 +/- 4.3 mg/kg to 38.2 +/- 5.9 mg/kg. In the case of the mice poisoned by ammonium chloride, the four extracts can also reduce the mortality, but make no significant difference as compared with the control group statistically (P greater than 0.05).     

The hepatoprotective effects of Limonium sinense against carbon tetrachloride and beta-D-galactosamine intoxication in rats

In the present study, the hepatoprotective action of Limonium sinense (Plumbaginaceae) was evident after carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and beta-D-galactosamine (D-GalN), respectively, challenge in rats. The plant materials were divided into two parts: (1) the roots extracted with water (WRE) and (2) the leaves extracted with methanol and fractionated with chloroform (CLE). Both WRE and CLE were extremely flavonoid-enriched extracts. In an CCl(4)-induced acute liver damage study, pretreatment with WRE at 300 mg/kg i.p. and CLE at 100 mg/kg i.p. significantly reduced the amino-transaminases levels of SGOT (p < 0.01) and SGPT (p < 0.01) previously increased by CCl(4) intoxication. In D-GalN-induced acute liver damage study, administration of WRE (300 and 500 mg/kg) or CLE (100 mg/kg) p.o. also significantly reduced the SGOT (p < 0.01) and SGPT (p < 0.01) levels previously increased by D-GalN intoxication. Furthermore, the serum triglyceride level was increased after pretreatment with WRE or CLE previously reduced by D-GalN intoxication. All of the liver function profiles were confirmed to have improvement of liver lesion in histopathological observation. In an acute toxicity test on ICR mice, the LD(50) of WRE was 777.6 mg/kg i.p. An in vitro study showed that CLE possessed a more potent cytotoxicity to human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep3B) (EC(50) = 43.1 micro g/mL) than the other organic fractions, which were fractionated from methanol extracts of the leaves of L. sinense. The present results conclude that L. sinense possesses a hepatoprotective efficacy, and is relatively safe in rats.     

Anticonvulsant activity of Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) leaf extract in mice

The anticonvulsant activity of Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) was investigated by studying the effects of both aqueous and methanol extracts of the plant species on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, bicuculline, picrotoxin and N-methyl-dl-aspartic in mice. Aqueous extract of Cotyledon orbiculata (50-400mg/kg, i.p.) and methanol extract (100-400mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prolonged the onset of tonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (95mg/kg, i.p.). Methanol extract (400mg/kg, i.p.) also significantly reduced the incidence of the seizures. One hundred to two hundred milligrams/kilogram (i.p.) of aqueous extract of Cotyledon orbiculata significantly delayed the onset of the tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.), picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.) and N-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (NMDLA, 400mg/kg, i.p.). Similarly, methanol extract (100-400mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of the tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.) while 100mg/kg (i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of N-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (NMDLA, 400mg/kg, i.p.)-induced seizures. Methanol extract (200mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the incidence of the seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.). Phenobarbitone (12mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) effectively antagonized only seizures induced by PTZ (95mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.). Phenytoin (30mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect any of the seizures to any significant extent. The data obtained suggest that both aqueous and methanol extracts of Cotyledon orbiculata have anticonvulsant property and may probably be affecting both gabaergic and glutaminergic mechanisms to exert its effect. The phytochemical analysis carried out revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar and triterpene steroids in the plant extract.     

Anti‐Inflammatory,Antinociceptive and Cytotoxic Effects of the Methanol Extract of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul

Cecropia pachystachya is widely used in the traditional medicine as anti‐inflammatory, antitusive, expectorant, antiasthmatic and hypoglycemic. It is also commercially available to treat skin cancer. To validate some of the popular uses of this species, its methanol leaves extract (CPM) was tested for anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive and cytotoxic effects. The anti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated by croton oil‐induced ear edema test. When used orally, the anti‐inflammatory effect of CPM at 300 mg/kg was similar to that of indomethacin with 53% inhibition of the ear edema. Also, results on topical treatment were similar to that of dexamethasone with 83% inhibition of the edema. To evaluate the antinociceptive activity, acetic acid‐induced writhing and formalin‐induced pain tests were employed. CPM (100 and 300 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing by 61% and 67%, respectively. In both doses, the activity was comparable to the reference drug, indomethacin. The oral administration of CPM was ineffective in the first phase of formalin test but exhibited great effects on the second phase decreasing the licking time by 85% at 300 mg/kg. The cytotoxic potential of CPM was also investigated against HL60, HL60.bcl2 and Jurkat tumor cell lines and showed an inhibition of more than 50% of cell proliferation. The flavones orientin and isoorientin were detected in CPM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of 'saye', an herbal remedy used in Burkina Faso traditional medicine

'Saye', a traditional medicine used in Burkina Faso, which consists of extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii (rhizome), Cassia alata (leaf) and Phyllanthus amarus (whole plant), showed a significant effect against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasites grown in vivo (IC(50) = 80.11 +/- 3.40 microg/mL; ED(50) = 112.78 +/- 32.32 mg/kg). In vitro the activity was lower.     

Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of Garcinia cambogia plus Amorphophallus konjac for the treatment of obesity

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main compound of Garcinia cambogia extract, is a competitive blocker of ATP-citrate-lyase, presenting a potential inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis. Glucomannan fibers, abundant in Amorphophallus konjac, seem to reduce the absorption kinetics of dietary fat. Therefore, the aim of this double-blind randomized study was to evaluate the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of standardized extracts of G. cambogia (52.4% HCA) plus A. konjac (94.9% glucomannan) in the treatment of obesity. Fifty-eight obese subjects (BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m(2)) were assigned to the placebo group (n = 26) or the treatment group (n = 32); no dietary restrictions were applied. Over a 12-week period, subjects were given daily doses of either Garcinia (2.4 g) plus Konjac (1.5 g) or placebo prior to their main meals (3 times/day). Before the start of treatment, and every 4 weeks thereafter, the following were recorded: height, weight, circumferences and body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), lipid profile and glucose levels. The treatment had no significant effect on anthropometric parameters, REE, triglycerides or glucose levels. However, a significant reduction was observed in total cholesterol (-32.0 +/- 35.1 mg/dL) and LDL-c levels (-28.7 +/- 32.7 mg/dL) in the treated group, the final levels being significantly lower than those of the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.020, respectively). The results obtained suggest that the treatment had a significant hypocholesterolemic effect, without influencing the anthropometric or calorimetric parameters tested.     

Antiinflammatory activity of some medicinal plant extracts from Venezuela

Six medicinal plant extracts from Venezuela, used in traditional medicine, were investigated for their anti-inflammatory potential against adjuvant-carrageenan-induced inflammation (ACII). All doses expressed here are as equivalents of dried starting plant materials (1.50 g dry plant/kg body wt.). The most interesting plant extracts were Synedrella nodiflora, and the hexane leaf extract of Bursera simaruba. In ACII, orally administered extracts (at doses 40 and 80 mg/kg, respectively), inhibited both the acute and chronic phases of this experimental model of inflammation, mainly the chronic phase. These extracts exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity daily throughout the experiment, and were as effective as reference drugs, phenylbutazone (80 mg/kg) and indomethacin (3 mg/kg).     

Behavioural effects of Visnea mocanera extract: Psychostimulant and anxiogenic properties

Neuropharmacological studies were conducted in mice with different extracts from the leaves and fruits of Visnea mocanera L. f. (Theaceae). The combined data obtained from all biological models suggest that the methanol extract from the leaves and the syrup from the fruits appear to have a psychostimulant action, since these extracts increased locomotor activity (the methanol extract at 250 mg/kg p.o.), reduced pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (the methanol extract and syrup at 250 mg/kg p.o.) and produced hyperthermia (the syrup at 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o.). The aqueous fraction (250 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) and syrup (500 mg/kg p.o.) from fruits showed an anxiogenic-like profile in mice when evaluated acutely in the elevated plus-maze test.