Evaluation of the central properties of several Hypericum species from the Canary Islands.
The infusions of the aerial parts in blossom of Hypericum canariense, H. glandulosum, H. reflexum and H. grandifolium (Hypericaceae) were evaluated for their pharmacological activity on the central nervous system in mice using various behavioural models including locomotor and muscle relaxant activity, effect on normal body temperature, pentobarbital-induced sleep, oxotremorine and tetrabenazine-induced syndrome, apomorphine-induced hypothermia and 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced head twitches, as well as a forced swimming test. These infusions did not alter significantly the locomotor activity, pentobarbital induced sleeping time and body temperature, with the exception of H. canariense which produced a slight but significant hypothermia. Additionally, no muscle relaxant or anticholinergic activity were observed. These infusions antagonized the ptosis and/or motor depression induced by tetrabenazine as well as shortening the immobility time in the forced swimming test. The observations suggest that the infusions of these Hypericum species possess antidepressant activity in mice, without inducing muscle relaxation, anticholinergic and sedative properties.
Prado
Begoña
B
Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Laguna, c) Astrofisico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38071, La Laguna, Tenerife, España.
Rabanal
Rosa M
RM
Sánchez-Mateo
Candelaria C
CC
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001058:Apomorphine; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D035263:Flowering Tops; D020902:Hypericum / Q000145:classification; D007195:Indian Ocean Islands; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D010424:Pentobarbital; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D011897:Random Allocation; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010424:Pentobarbital; D001058:Apomorphine