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.
Amos
S
S
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Idu Industrial Area, PMB 21, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria. samsonamos@yahoo.co.uk
Adzu
B
B
Binda
L
L
Wambebe
C
C
Gamaniel
K
K
D000818:Animals; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D010424:Pentobarbital / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010424:Pentobarbital