Abstract
Aqueous extract of the leaves, stem-bark and root-bark of Ficus sycomorus were screened for chemical constituents and effects on muscle relaxation, local anaesthetic and sleeping time on 20 wister rats (138.7 - 143.9g ± 22.4 ) and one rabbit (1300 g ± 0.00). The extract contained tannins, alkaloids, reducing compounds, saponins, flavonoids, steroid, terpenoids and anthracenoside. The aqueous root bark extract induced 50% anaesthesia at 30 mg/ml on rabbit compared with xylocaine. The extract was also tested on rats to see its effect on aminobarbitone sleeping time as it increased the period. The extract was observed to show muscle relaxation in rats. It promotes muscle relaxantion and increased aminobarbitone sleeping time in rats. Hence, F. sycomorus exhibits pharmacological activities. Key words: Muscle relaxation, local anaesthetic, sleeping time, tannins, alkaloids, steroid, flavonoids.
Highlights
Medicinal plants play important role in individuals and communities health
Aqueous extract of the leaves, stem-bark and root-bark of Ficus sycomorus were screened for chemical constituents and effects on muscle relaxation, local anaesthetic and sleeping time on 20 wister rats (138.7 - 143.9g ± 22.4 ) and one rabbit (1300 g ± 0.00)
The aqueous root bark extract induced 50% anaesthesia at 30 mg/ml on rabbit compared with xylocaine
Summary
Medicinal plants play important role in individuals and communities health. The medicinal value of these plants depends on some chemical compounds that produce a definite physiological action in the human body. The awareness of the role of medicinal plants in health care delivery of developing countries has resulted in researches into traditional medicine, with a view to integrating it with modern orthodox medicine (Sofowara, 1993). This is imperative as 70% of Nigerian population (140 million) rely solely on traditional medicine (Rahila et al, 1994). The objective of this work is to determine the chemical constituents, local anaesthetic, sleeping and muscles relaxation effects of F. sycomorus on experimental animals
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