title: CNS depressant activity of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides.
abstract: The aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides was used to study the central nervous system depressant activity pattern of the plant. The extract protected mice from strychnine-induced convulsion at 400 mg/kg p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. A dose-dependent prolongation of seizure latency was produced at 400 mg/kg, p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. for strychnine-induced seizure; and at 400 mg/kg p.o. and 100 mg/kg i.p. for picrotoxin-induced seizure. Moreover, the CNS depressant activity of the extract (200 mg/kg p.o. and 50 mg/kg i.p.) was demonstrated by a significant prolongation of 40 mg/kg, pentobarbitone sleeping time, and significant reduction in exploratory behavior of mice at a dose of 400 mg/kg p.o., with both effects comparable to effects produced by 4 mg/kg chlorpromazine. Acute oral toxicity test, up to 14 days, did not produce any visible signs of toxicity; however, acute (24 h) i.p toxicity test produced a dose-dependent mortality with LD50 of 455.2 mg/kg.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, P.M.B 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O K
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Yemitan
authors.forename: O O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Adeyemi
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots; D029631:Sapindaceae; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013331:Strychnine
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013331:Strychnine