title: Effect of Zizyphus spina-christi Willd aqueous extract on the central nervous system in mice.
abstract: The effects of the aqueous extract of Zizypus spina-christi Willd root bark against exploratory behaviour, spontaneous motor activity (SMA), motor coordination (Rota-rod performance) and pentobarbital-induced hypnosis were investigated in mice. The extract induced a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent reduction in exploratory behaviour and SMA when administered orally. It also prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time but failed to inhibit motor coordination (rota-rod performance) in the experimental mice. These results suggest that the extract contained some constituents that depress the central nervous system, which may not be due to neuromuscular blockade.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, P. M. B. 21, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Adzu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amos
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dzarma
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wambebe
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gamaniel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D010424:Pentobarbital / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010424:Pentobarbital