Number Of Foot Slips Research Articles

ANTICONVULSANT EFFECT OF ISOLATED COMPOUNDS FROM THE LEAVES OF GLOBIMETULA BRAUNII ENGLER VAN TIEGH (LORANTHACEAE) IN MICE AND CHICKS

The anticonvulsant evaluation of globrauneine A (1), globrauneine C (2) globrauneine D (3), globrauneine F (4), lupeol (5), β-sitosterol (6), (1R,5S,7S)-7-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl]-2,6-dioxabi-cyclo [3. 3.1]-nonan-3-one (7), dodoneine (8), quercetin (9) and rutin (10) from Globimetula braunii leaves were analyzed with the aid of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure test in mice (PTZ) and maximal electroshock seizure test in chicks (MEST), while the neurotoxicity was evaluated using the beam walking assay in mice. 50% of the tested mice were protected by Globrauneine A (1) and dodoneine (8) against PTZ-induced mortality. The mean onset of clonic spasm of the unprotected animals was increased by Quercetin (9) and also the mice were differentially protected against mortality. The tested compounds also produced significant (p<0.05) increase in the mean onset of seizure against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure. The chicks were not protected by the tested compounds against MEST and the recovery time was not significantly reduced. In the beam assay, with the exception of dodoneine (8), the number of foot slips and the time taken to complete the task was not significantly changed by the tested isolated compounds, suggesting that the observed activities are not due to general CNS depression. The results suggest mild protective effects of these isolated compounds against seizure which might be useful in the control of petit mal epilepsy.

Behavioural studies on crude Ethanol leaf extract of Cadaba farinosa Forssk. in mice

Cadaba farinosa Forssk. (Capparaceae) is found all over the world, mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. It is used to treat pain, dysentery, rheumatism, cough, and fever, as well as an antidote and in the treatment of neurological disorders. In mice, the median lethal dose (LD50) of Crude Ethanol leaf Extract (CEE) of Cadaba farinosa was found to be 2154.1 mg/kg body weight. The presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins was discovered during a preliminary phytochemical analysis of the dark gummy mass crude extract. The CEE was then put through pharmacological testing on mice. In mice, diazepam-induced sleep, beam walking, and hole-board assays were used to investigate behavioral activities. CEE of Cadaba farinosa had no effect on the onset of sleep in mice when given at the tested doses of diazepam. In contrast, it significantly increased sleep duration at all doses tested (75 mg/kg p 0.001, 150 mg/kg p≤0.05, and 300 mg/kg p≤0.01). The CEE significantly (p≤0.01) increased the number of foot slips in the Beam walking assay at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Similarly, diazepam at 0.25 mg/kg increased the number of foot slips significantly (p≤0.001). The extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg and diazepam increased the time required to complete the task significantly (p≤0.05). At 150 mg/kg (p 0.01) and 300 mg/kg (p≤0.05), the hole-board experiment significantly reduced the number of head dips. In contrast, the standard drug (diazepam) had no discernible effect on the number of head dips. These findings suggest that CEE and Diazepam at the highest dose significantly affected the behaviour of mice in the beam walking assay. Thus, the extract showed no activity on the onset of sleep but significantly prolong duration of sleep at the tested doses. The CEE significantly produced a decrease in the exploratory behavioural pattern, indicative of the fact that CEE possesses sedative property.

Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Aqueous Extract of Aerial Parts of Caralluma dalzielii N E Brown

IntroductionCaralluma dalzielli (Asclepiadiaceae) is a succulent perennial plant that is widely distributed across the Sahel region of West Africa. Decoctions from the plant are used traditionally for treating infertility, epilepsy and neurological diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate some neurological effects of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii (APCD) in mice and to analyse its components through Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).Materials and methodsThe effect of the APCD (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) on motor coordination, sedation and anxiety in mice were assessed using three models, namely, beam walk assay, staircase test and hole‐board test. Its anticonvulsant activity was assessed in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and strychnine (STN)‐induced seizures in mice. Beam walk assay measured the number of foot slips of the mice, staircase test, measured the number of rearing for each mouse over a 5‐min period while the hole‐board test measured the number of head dips of the mice during a 5‐min period. In the anticonvulsant study, the onset and duration of seizures were recorded. Phytochemical screening was carried out according to standard procedures. APCD was subjected to further analysis using GC‐MS to identify its major components.ResultsAn increase in the number of foot slips is regarded as having peripheral muscle relaxant and sedative activities, however, APCD at all doses showed no significant increase in the number of foot slips. Increase in the number of rearing is a characteristic of anxiety. APCD at all doses significantly (p<0.05) reduced the number of rearing suggesting anxiolytic activity. The behavioural episode of head dipping was used for assessing anxiolytic activity. Increase in the number of head dips described anxiolysis. The extract showed a significant (p<0.05) increase the number of head dips at all dose levels. Pre‐treatment of mice with APCD produced a dose‐dependent protection against PTZ‐induced seizures with 100% protection at the highest dose of APCD. APCD also significantly (p<0.05) increased the latency/onset of myoclonic jerks and reduced the duration of tonic seizures dose dependently. In STN‐induced seizure, APCD significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the latency of tonic seizure and increased the survival time before death in a dose dependent manner. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides and phenols. GC‐MS analysis revealed 85 compounds of which the major ones were Heptadecene (6.99%), Octadecene (6.83%), 2‐Amino‐5‐methylbenzoic acid (5.17%), 1‐Butoxy‐2,4‐dimethyl‐2‐pentene (4.97%), Benzene propanoic acid (4.89%), Hexadecanoic acid (3.94%), 2,4‐Di‐tert‐butylphenol (3.233%) and 1‐Tetradecanol (2.16%).ConclusionAPCD possesses neuropharmacological properties with anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activities but without prominent effect on motor coordination. The presence of various phytochemical constituents may be responsible. This report validates the ethnomedicinal use of the plant for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Modelling falls in Parkinson's disease and normal ageing in mice using a complex motor task.

Falls resulting from multifactorial deficits are common in both normal ageing and Parkinson’s disease. Resultant injuries can lead to increased hospitalisation and excess mortality. As the disease progresses, gait and balance deficits are relatively refractory to dopaminergic treatments suggesting another system is involved. Attentional impairment is a significant risk factor for falls, and disruption to both the cortical cholinergic system and striatal dopaminergic system increases falls in rats undergoing a complex motor task with high attentional load. However, it is unclear whether this translates to mice and whether normal ageing induces similar deficits. In this study, we use a complex motor task to test the effects of acute dopaminergic and cholinergic antagonism using alpha-flupentixol and scopolamine, respectively, in mice. We also test the effects of normal ageing on complex motor performance and whether these changes are sensitive to a clinical dose of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Rimadyl. Consistent with previous work, we show that cholinergic but not dopaminergic antagonism impaired task performance. However, a combined approach did not potentiate the deficit beyond observed with cholinergic antagonism alone. We also show that task performance is impaired in aged mice relative to younger controls, and that Rimadyl reduces number of foot slips in an age-specific manner. Overall, these data support prior work showing the importance of the cholinergic system in falls. The studies in aged mice found age-related impairments and a role for inflammation but did not find evidence of an interaction with attentional load, although only one manipulation was tested.

Co-Administration of Vitamins C and E is Protective against Reserpine-induced Motor Impairment in Mice.

Background: The conventional treatments for Parkinson's disease, the most common movement disorder globally, have not been able to halt its progression hence, newer approaches targeting its pathogenesis are being explored. We investigated the effect of vitamins C and E (in combination) on reserpine-induced motor impairment in mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five mice were randomly grouped into five groups of five mice each. All the groups except group I (control), were given an alternate days injection of reserpine 0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Groups III and IV were administered vitamin E 200 mg/kg/day (vitamin E group), and vitamin C 250 mg/kg/day (vitamin C group), respectively while group V (co-administered group) was given both vitamins orally. Group II (reserpine group) received nothing in addition to reserpine. All drugs were given concurrently for 28 days. The neurobehavioral assessment was performed using beam walking and open field tasks. Results were presented as mean±SEM and statistical significance was placed at p < 0.05. Results: There were significant increases in a number of foot slips (3.60±0.68; p = 0.002) and the time spent in reaching the 'safe' platform (36.60±5.78 s; p = 0.0001) in the reserpine group, both of which were markedly reduced in the co-administered group (0.25±0.25 and 3.00±0.41s respectively). The co-administered group demonstrated a marked decrease in transfer latency (10.33±1.45s; p = 0.005) and crossed significantly more lines (56.00±13.53 lines; p = 0.0001) in the open field compared to the reserpine group (214.00±64.16s and 4.3±1.67 lines respectively). Conclusion: Co-administration of vitamins C and E protected against motor impairment induced by reserpine in mice.

Behavioural Effects of Aerial Parts of Alysicarpus glumaceus Vahl DC in Murine Models

AbstractBackground Alysicarpus glumaceus has been reported to be used in managing patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. This work aimed to determine the behavioural effects of aerial parts of Alysicarpus glumaceus in murine models.MethodThe behavioural effects of the drug extract was evaluated using elevated zero maze (EZM), stair case test (SCT) and the open field test (OFT) while beam walking was used to test for motor coordination deficit and stimulant activity in mice at doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg using diazepam (0.05 mg/kg) as the standard and normal saline (NS) as the control.ResultsAll the test doses of the extract reduced the stretch attend posture and head dips as well as the number of rearing without significant decrease in the number of stairs climbed in the EZM and SCT respectively when compared to NS. In the OFT, Alysicarpus glumaceus extract increased the number of square crossing but it was insignificant (p>0.05). The extract at 1000 and 1500 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01) decreased the number of rearing; while at 500 mg/kg it significantly (p<0.001) decreased the number of rearing. At all the test doses used, there was no significant difference in time to reach the goal box and number of foot slips, however, mice given 500 mg/kg of the extract produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in time spent on the beam.ConclusionThe findings revealed that the aerial parts of Alysicarpus glumaceus possesses central nervous system depressant actions.

Characterisation of the Mouse Cerebellar Proteome in the GFAP-IL6 Model of Chronic Neuroinflammation

GFAP-IL6 transgenic mice are characterised by astroglial and microglial activation predominantly in the cerebellum, hallmarks of many neuroinflammatory conditions. However, information available regarding the proteome profile associated with IL-6 overexpression in the mouse brain is limited. This study investigated the cerebellum proteome using a top-down proteomics approach using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry and correlated these data with motor deficits using the elevated beam walking and accelerod tests. In a detailed proteomic analysis, a total of 67 differentially expressed proteoforms including 47 cytosolic and 20 membrane-bound proteoforms were identified. Bioinformatics and literature mining analyses revealed that these proteins were associated with three distinct classes: metabolic and neurodegenerative processes as well as protein aggregation. TheGFAP-IL6 mice exhibited impaired motor skills in the elevated beam walking test measured by their average scores of 'number of footslips' and 'time to traverse' values. Correlation of theproteoforms' expression levels with themotor testscores showed a significantpositive correlation to peroxiredoxin-6 and negative correlation to alpha-internexin and mitochondrial cristae subunit Mic19. These findings suggest that the observed changes in theproteoform levels caused by IL-6 overexpression might contribute to themotor function deficits.

Efficacy and Toxicity Study of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC and Valeriana Wallichii DC in Sleep Disorders

Background: Sleep disorders are common in general population and adversely affects the health related quality of life. Many people do not want to rely upon allopathic drug easily available over the counter because of their side effects. Cases of sleep disorders have exponentially increased during pandemic (Covid -19) and new term Covid-somnia have been coined for the same. Two Perennial herbs from Valerianeaceae family i.e Nardostachys jatamansi DC and Valeriana wallicii DC which are known as high value medicinal plants were selected for the study. Nardostachys jatamansi DC is used in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, convulsive ailments whereas rhizome of Valeriana wallicii DC have shown anxiolytic, stress releasing and antidepressant effects.Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the selected herbs for Sleep Disorders. A dose dependent Phenobarbitone - induced sleep time measurement study was performed. Further measure the effect of motor coordination, walking assay was performed.Results and Conclusions: Results of acute toxicity study and Irwin test indicated that selected extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi DC and Valeriana wallichii are safe. Further dose dependent Phenobarbitone - induced sleep time measurement study showed significant increase in selected three doses for this study (125, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight compared to control. The result of the study demonstrated that oral administration of extracts produced a dose-dependent decrease in sleep latency and increase in sleep duration in mice treated with extracts. These extracts exhibited a non- significant reduction in the number of foot slips in non-dose dependent manner relative to Phenobarbitone treated group.

Sedative and CNS Depressant Effect of Nymphaea lotus

Sedative and CNS Depressant Effect of <i>Nymphaea lotus</i>

Evaluation of Sedative Activity of Methanol Leaf Extract of Ceiba Pentandra Linn (Malvaceae) Using Mice

Background: Insomnia and other associated disorders have been traditionally managed using leaves of Ceiba pentandra (Malvaceae). Methods: In this study, sedative and anxiolytic properties of methanol leaf extract of Ceiba pentandra using mice were evaluated. Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening of the extract were also determined using standard protocols. The sedative effect of the extract was evaluated using Diazepam and ketamine- induced sleep, hole board test and mouse beam walk assay, whereas the anxiolytic activity was studied using open field, elevated plus maze and elevated stair case tests. Results: The intraperitonial LD50 of the methanol leaf extract of Ceiba pentandra was estimated to be 2150 mg/kg body weight in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the positive reaction of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. The extract at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg shortened the onset of sleep and prolonged the duration of diazepam-induced sleep. The extract at all doses tested (150,300 and 600 mg/kg) had no effect on mean onset of sleep but significantly (p&lt;0.05) prolonged the duration of ketamine-induced sleep when compared with normal saline treated group. The extract at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased the number of head dips when compared with the control group in the Hole-board test. The extract at all doses tested has no effect on the mean time spent on the beam. However, at the dose of 600 mg/kg, it significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the number of foot slips made by mice when compared with the control group. In the open field test, the extract at all doses tested (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased the number of peripheral square crossing without any effect on the number of centre square crossing. The extract had no effect on the mean number of open arm and closed arm entries, time spent in open arm and time spent in the closed arm. In the elevated staircase test, the extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the number of stairs climbed and the number of rearing. Conclusion: The results of this work revealed that methanol leaf extract of Ceiba pentandra contains bioactive components that possess sedative properties and hence can be used to treat insomnia in the nearest future.

Anticonvulsant studies on the isolated compounds from the leaves of Scurrula parasitica L (Loranthaceae)

The leaves of Scurrula parasitica were effectively extracted by means of cold extraction method. Fractionation and purification of the n -hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol crude extracts yielded eight compounds. The compounds were identified as quercetin 1 , quercitrin 2 , kaempferol 3- O -a-L-rhamnoside 3 , (+)-catechin 4 , lupeol 5 , lupeol palmitate 6 , b-sitosterol 7 and squalene 8 . Compounds 1 , 4 , 5 and 6 were investigated for anticonvulsant potentials using maximal electroshock test in chicks and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure test in mice while the effect of the compounds on motor coordination was investigated using beam walking assay in mice. The compounds did not completely protect the mice against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, but increased the mean onset of myoclonic jerks and spasms in the animals. Quercetin significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the mean onset of spasm in the unprotected animals. The compounds also differentially protected the mice against mortality. Conversely, the compounds did not protect the chick against the MEST. Similarly, they did not significantly reduce the recovery time. In the beam walking assay, the increase in the number of foot slips observed in the study may be associated with the interaction of quercetin and (+)-catechin with the GABA system to produce clinical sedation. The findings of the present study suggest that the isolated compounds possess some mild anticonvulsant potential and may be beneficial in the management of petit mal epilepsy.

Neuropharmacological activities of ethanol leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Cussonia barteri&lt;/i&gt; Seeman (Araliaceae) in laboratory animals

The anticonvulsant studies on Cussonia barteri Seeman (Araliaceae) were carried out using maximal electroshock test (MEST), pentylenetetrazole and strychnine-induced seizures model in chicks and mice. In addition, sedative and anxiolytic effect of the extract was evaluated using diazepam-induced sleeping time, hole-board, beam walk assay and open field test in mice. The extract was also evaluated for acute toxicity. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 of the extract was estimated to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg and 2, 154.1 mg/kg body weight respectively. The extract did not protect the chicks against maximal electroshock seizure; neither did it shorten the mean recovery time. The extract produced 66.67% and 83.33% protection against strychnine and pentylenetetrazole induced seizures respectively at the highest dose (400 mg/kg) tested. The extract decreases the number of head dips in hole-board test, suggesting its sedative property, which was confirmed by the ability of extract to prolonged diazepam sleeping time. The extract did not significantly increase the time spent on the beam but at the highest dose tested significantly increased the number of foot slips, an index of motor coordination deficit. The extract insignificantly decreased number of rearing, Total Square and Central Square crossed in an open field test. These results suggest that the extract may contain compound(s) that may be beneficial in the management of absence or myoclonic seizures.Keywords: Cussonia barteri; Epilepsy; Seizure; Sedative; Anxiolytic

Sedative and anticonvulsant evaluation of &lt;i&gt;Tapinanthus globiferus&lt;/i&gt; A. Rich (&lt;i&gt;Loranthaceae&lt;/i&gt;) in mice and chicks

Tapinanthus globiferus is mistletoe that is used in folklore for the management of sleep disorders and epilepsy, amongst others. This study was designed to evaluate the sedative and anticonvulsant properties of the ethanol extract of T. globiferus in mice and chicks. The extract was screened for its sedative activity and effect on motor coordination using diazepam-induced sleep and beam-walk assay respectively; while anticonvulsant property was screened, using maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and strychnine (STN)-induced seizure test models. Experiments were conducted in mice except MES which was conducted in day old cockerels, with all drug administered by intraperitoneal route. Data was analysed using ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post-hoc test. The extract produced a significant (p ≤ 0.05) and dose-dependent decreased in the onset and increased in the duration of diazepam-induced sleep at doses of 87.5, 175 and 350 mg/kg and also produced significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in number of foot slips and the time spent on beam at the highest dose of 350 mg/kg, compared to control. However, the extract had no effect on the onset of seizure compared to the control in both PTZ and STN-induced seizures and offered no protection against STN and MES-induced seizure. The results indicated that the ethanol extract of T. globiferus possesses sedative effects in mice and minimum or no anticonvulsant properties in mice and chicks. Keywords: Tapinanthus globiferus , Electroshock, Pentylenetetrazole, Strychnine

Anxiolytic-Like Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Laggera aurita Linn. F. (Asteraceae) in Mice

Background: Laggera aurita belongs to the Asteraceae family; it is an annual herb found growing as weeds in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. In Nigeria, Laggera aurita is used as a remedy for paediatric malaria and in the management of epilepsy. Previous studies on extracts of this plant suggested its anticonvulsant activity via GABA-mediated neurotransmission. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating anxiolytic-like effect of the plant extract. Methods: Anxiolytic potential of the methanol leaf extract of Laggera aurita was evaluated using staircase, elevated plus maze, hole board, open field, beam walking assay, and diazepam-induced sleep tests. Results: The extract significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the number of rearing in the staircase test at 600 and 300 mg/kg. In the elevated plus maze test, there was a significant (P < 0.05 at 600 and 300 mg/kg) increase in the total number of open arm entries and total time spent in the open arms (600 mg/kg). In the hole board test, the extract significantly (P ≤ 0.05 at 600mg/kg) decreased the number of head dips. Using the open field test, the axiolytic activity of the extract was further reflected by the significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the number of rearing (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg). The effect of the extract on beam walking assay showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase (600 mg/kg) in number of foot slips and time spent on beam. The extract (600 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the duration of sleep induced by diazepam. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the leaf extract of Laggera aurita possesses anxiolytic-like properties.

Central Nervous System Depressant Effect of Senna occidentalis Linn. (Fabaceae) Leaf Extract in Mice

Senna occidentalis has been used in traditional medicine in Nigeria for managing various ailments in traditional medicine. This study was aimed at evaluating the central nervous system depressant effect of ethanol leaf extract of Senna occidentalis in mice. Thirty mice of either sex were taken and divided into five groups of six animals each. First group was considered as negative control in diazepam-induced sleeping time (normal saline + diazepam), second, third, fourth and fifth as test groups (with 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses of the extract + diazepam). All the drugs were administered intraperitoneal (i.p). The extract showed significant decrease in the onset of sleep at doses of 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg (p<0.05; One-way ANOVA). The number of head dips have significantly decreased at p<0.05 for all the graded doses of the extract. Beam walking test for motor deficits, showed significant increase in the number of foot slips at the same graded doses at p<0.05 with no significant difference in the time taken to complete the task. The study showed that leaf ethanol extract of Senna occidentalis possess CNS depressant effect, and serve as a good sedative as such, can save patients from many doses of anesthetic medication usually administered during surgery in conventional medicine when used.

Use of the parallel beam task for skilled walking in a rat model of cerebral ischemia: A qualitative approach

The parallel beam task (PBT), in which animals walk across two elevated parallel beams, is commonly used to assess motor deficits in laboratory rodents. Performance of the PBT challenges postural balance, inter-limb coordination and skilled walking abilities, and is typically assessed by quantitative measures such as number of foot slips and/or successful traversals. We proposed that including qualitative movement analysis of skilled walking would increase resolution and sensitivity of PBT assessments in rats with cortical ischemic lesion. Pre-trained rats with a unilateral devascularization of the primary motor cortex and controls were recorded from lateral and ventral views as they traversed a PBT made of two parallel metal beams. The new qualitative skilled walking scoring system analyzed four elements of posture, limb placement, and targeting (limb rotation and position, number of placing attempts and foot slips) based on frame-by-frame video analysis. The analysis revealed that motor cortex lesions produced significant deficits in contralateral limb rotation and limb placement in both fore- and hind limbs, compared to ipsilateral limbs and control animals. Fore- and hind limbs showed different patterns in limb placement impairments. The results indicate that forelimb foot slips are a more sensitive measure of lesion-induced deficits than hind limb foot slips. Thus, the PTB is an effective task for the assessment of skilled walking and motor learning strategies especially when combined with qualitative movement analysis in rodent models of stroke.

Some behavioural studies on methanol root bark extract of &lt;i&gt;Burkea africana&lt;/i&gt; (fabaceae) in mice

Burkea africana is a plant that belongs to then family Fabaceae; it is widely spread in tropical Africa including Nigeria. It is of valuable in ethnomedicine especially in the treatment of antidote for venomous stings and bites, cutaneous and sub cutaneous parasitic infection, convulsion and pulmonary troubles. The research was conducted to evaluate some central nervous system properties of the root bark methanol extractof B. africana in mice. It involved the following animal models: diazepam-induced sleep, hole-board and walking beam assay. Results: The methanol extract showed a significant decrease in the onset of sleep at doses of 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg (p&lt;0.05); as well as produced significant increase in the duration of sleep (40 and 80 mg/kg) at p&lt;0.05, p&lt;0.005 respectively. The number of head dips significantly increased at 20 and 80 mg/kg (p&lt;0.05 and 0.005 respectively). From the beam walking test for motor deficits, the result showed a significant increase in the number of foot slips at doses of 20 mg/kg (p&lt;0.05); 40 and 80 mg/kg (p&lt;0.005), where as there was no significant difference in the time taken to cross the two ends of the beam (time taken to complete the task). The median lethal dose (LD50) value of B. africana extract was found to be 288.5 mg/kg (i.p) in mice. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoid, aglycones, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, unsaturated steroids and triterpenes. Our results suggest that the B. africana extract contains biologically active compounds with potential sedative and anxiolytic properties.Key Words: Sedation, B. Africana, Diazepam, ethnomedicine

Neuropharmacological activities of the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Securinega virosa (Roxb. ex. Willd) Baill. root bark in mice

Securinega virosa (Euphorbiaceae) is a commonly used medicinal plant in the management of epilepsy and mental illnesses. Previously, the anticonvulsant and antipsychotic activities of the methanol root bark extract have been reported. In an attempt to isolate the bioactive principle(s) responsible for these activities, this study was designed to evaluate the anticonvulsant and CNS depressant activities of the aqueous fraction of the root bark extract in mice. The fraction at the dose of 500 mg/kg protected 66.67% of the mice against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure and prolonged the onset of seizure in unprotected animals. The fraction did not offer significant protection against strychnine and 4-aminopyridine-induced seizures. At all the doses tested (125-500 mg/kg), the fraction significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of head dips (in the hole board test), upward stairs climbed and rearings (in the stair case test). In the beam walking assay, the fraction significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of foot slips. The findings of the study suggested that aqueous fraction of the methanol root bark extract of Securinega virosa possesses anti-PTZ and sedative activities; and further lend credence to the use of the root of the plant in the management of epilepsy and mental illness.Keywords: Securinega virosa; Epilepsy; Sedatives; Pentylenetetrazole

Adenosine A2A Receptor Blockade Prevents Rotenone-Induced Motor Impairment in a Rat Model of Parkinsonism.

Pharmacological studies implicate the blockade of adenosine receptorsas an effective strategy for reducing Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. The objective of this study is to elucidate the possible protective effects of ZM241385 and 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine, two selective A2A and A1 receptor antagonists, on a rotenone rat model of PD. Rats were split into four groups: vehicle control (1 ml/kg/48 h), rotenone (1.5 mg/kg/48 h, s.c.), ZM241385 (3.3 mg/kg/day, i.p) and 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (5 mg/kg/day, i.p). After that, animals were subjected to behavioral (stride length and grid walking) and biochemical (measuring concentration of dopamine levels using high performance liquid chromatography, HPLC). In the rotenone group, rats displayed a reduced motor activity and disturbed movement coordination in the behavioral tests and a decreased dopamine concentration as foundby HPLC. The effect of rotenone was partially prevented in the ZM241385 group, but not with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine administration. The administration of ZM241385 improved motor function and movement coordination (partial increase of stride length and partial decrease in the number of foot slips) and an increase in dopamine concentration in the rotenone-injected rats. However, the 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine and rotenone groups were not significantly different. These results indicate that selective A2A receptor blockade by ZM241385, but not A1 receptor blockadeby 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, may treat PD motor symptoms. This reinforces the potential use of A2A receptor antagonists as a treatment strategy for PD patients.

Butanol soluble fractions of Cissus cornifolia methanolic leaf extract and behavioural effects in mice

Cissus cornifolia Baker - Planch (Family: Vitaceae) is used for various central nervous system disorders. The present study reported the sedative and central nervous depressant effects of fractions (butanol soluble portion and its flavonoid rich fraction) obtained from methanolic leaf extract of Cissus cornifolia using diazepam induced sleep, head-dip and motor coordination tests in mice at doses between 5 to 600 mg/kg body weight. The flavonoid rich column fraction 3 (CF3) significantly (p &lt;0.05) prolonged the duration of sleep in mice at the dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg. Similarly, the butanol soluble portion significantly (p &lt;0.001) prolonged the duration of diazepam induced sleep at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg in a dose dependent manner. It also significantly (p &lt;0.05) decreased the onset of sleep at the dose of 150 and 600 mg/kg. A dose dependent and significant (p &lt;0.001) decrease in the mean number of head-dips was produced by the butanol soluble portion at all the doses tested. The butanol soluble portion at all the doses tested significantly (p &lt;0.005) prolonged the time to complete the beam walk, however the extract did not produce a significant increase in number of foot slips. The results demonstrated that the butanol soluble fractions obtained from methanolic leaf extract of Cissus cornifolia posses sedative and central nervous system depressant activity, thus supporting its ethno medicinal use as a sedative in the management of central nervous system disorders.