Effects of hawthorn seed and pulp extracts on the central nervous system.
BACKGROUND
Investigating potential central nervous system (CNS) activities of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Rosaceae), hawthorn, fruit extracts.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluating CNS effects and analgesic activities of hawthorn fruit extracts based on the traditional uses of the plant for neurosedative and pain killer actions.


METHODS
Effects of hawthorn pulp (HPE) and seed extracts (HSE) at the dose range of 1-1000 mg/kg were examined on anxiety level, spontaneous locomotor activity, motor coordination, and nociceptive perception of mice. Morphine was used as a reference drug.


RESULTS
HPE (100-1000 mg/kg) and HSE (10-1000 mg/kg) significantly decreased not only the exploratory behaviors in hole-board experiments, but also the spontaneous locomotor activities in activity cage tests. The same doses of extracts were found to be ineffective in Rota-Rod tests of mice. In tail-clip, hot-plate, and acetic acid-induced writhing tests, quite potent and dose-dependent analgesic activities were seen at 100-1000 mg/kg doses of HPE and 10-1000 mg/kg doses of HSE. Analgesic effects observed in all analgesia tests were antagonized by naloxone.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant and dose-dependent decreases in spontaneous locomotor activities and exploratory behaviors of animals suggested CNS depressant activities of both extracts. Complete naloxone antagonism in all applied analgesia tests indicated opioid-related analgesic activities of both extracts.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings seem to support the traditional use of this plant to treat stress, nervousness, sleep disorders, and pain control.
Can
Ozgür Devrim
OD
Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Eskişehir, Turkey. ozgurdt@anadolu.edu.tr
Ozkay
Umide Demir
UD
Oztürk
Nilgün
N
Oztürk
Yusuf
Y
D000700:Analgesics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D027825:Crataegus; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects / Q000379:methods; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012639:Seeds
D000700:Analgesics; D010936:Plant Extracts