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Article
Neuropharmacological Screening of Diospyros mespiliformis in Mice
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
  • B. Adzu
  • Samson Amos, Cedarville University
  • I. Muazzam
  • U. S. Inyang
  • K. S. Gamaniel
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2002
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00249-0
PubMed ID
12413720
Abstract

The neuropharmacological activities of the aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformisstem bark were screened in mice. The extracts effect on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, pentylenetetrazole induced seizure, spontaneous motor activity (SMA), exploratory behaviour, and rota-rod performance (motor coordination) were evaluated. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) produced a significant (P<0.05) prolongation of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, and reduced the SMA and exploratory behaviour. The extract prolonged onset of the phases of seizure activity but did not protect mice against lethality induced by pentylenetetrazole. It also failed to affect the motor coordination test. These results suggest that the extract contained an agent with neuropharmacological activity that may be sedative in nature.

Keywords
  • Diospyros mespiliformis,
  • neuropharmacology,
  • mice,
  • anticonvulsants,
  • hypnotics and sedatives
Citation Information
B. Adzu, Samson Amos, I. Muazzam, U. S. Inyang, et al.. "Neuropharmacological Screening of Diospyros mespiliformis in Mice" Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol. 83 Iss. 1-2 (2002) p. 139 - 143 ISSN: 0378-8741
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/samson_amos/36/