title: CNS activity of Calotropis gigantea roots.
abstract: Alcoholic extract of peeled roots of Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) was tested orally in albino rats at the dose level of 250 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight for CNS activity. Prominent analgesic activity was observed in Eddy's hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhings. The paw licking time was delayed and the numbers of writhings were greatly reduced. Significant anticonvulsant activity was seen as there was a delay in the onset of pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions as well as decrease in its severity. The extract treated rats spent more time in the open arm of EPM showing its antianxiety activity. There was a decrease in the locomotor activity. The fall off time (motor coordination) was also decreased. A potentiation in the pentobarbitone-induced sleep due to the sedative effect of the extract was observed. No mortality was seen upto the dose of 1 g/kg. These results show the analgesic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative effect of the extract.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026, M.P., India.
authors.forename: Ameeta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Argal
authors.forename: Anupam Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Pathak
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031107:Calotropis / Q000737:chemistry*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018517:Plant Roots; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010936:Plant Extracts