Effect of Zizyphus spina-christi Willd aqueous extract on the central nervous system in mice.
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.
Adzu
B
B
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, P. M. B. 21, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.
Amos
S
S
Dzarma
S
S
Wambebe
C
C
Gamaniel
K
K
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
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010424:Pentobarbital