Sedative actions of Ternstroemia sylvatica in the male rat.
Ternstroemia sylvatica is a plant reputed popularly to possess a anxiolytic properties but has not yet been systematically tested for such activity. The behavioral actions of T. sylvatica were examined using the open field test, the elevated plus-maze test, and the forced swim test in male rats. T. sylvatica (7.1 mg/kg and 14.2 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced ambulatory behavior in the open field test and cancelled the anti-immobility actions produced by desipramine (32 mg/kg, i.p.) in the forced swim test, as did diazepam. In the elevated plus-maze test, T. sylvatica (7.1 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to show anxiolytic actions. It is concluded that Ternstroemia sylvatica produces sedative effects rather than the attributed anxiolytic actions.
Molina
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Laboratorio de Conducta, Universidad Veracruzana, México. mimoli@bugs.invest.uv.mx
Contreras
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CM
Tellez-Alcantara
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Rodriguez
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D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010936:Plant Extracts