Sedative Action Research Articles

Anxiolytic and sedative activities of the essential oil of the fresh young shoot of <i>Asparagus officinalis</i> L. in mice

Background: Asparagus officinalis L. is an edible plant that serve as a vegetable and medicine in different parts of the world, including CNS-related ailments.Objective: To evaluate the anxiolytic and sedative activities Asparagus officinalis L. fresh young shoot essential oil of Asparagus officinalis L. (EOAO) in mice.Method: The essential oil was obtained through hydro distillation using clevenger-type apparatus. The effect of EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) on anxiety was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and hole board test. The sedative effect of the EOAO (50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) was evaluated using ketamine-induced hypnosis (100 mg/kg, i.p.).Results: The EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam 1 mg/kg i.p., increased significantly (p < 0.01) the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) compared to the vehicle. There was significant increase in head dips (p < 0.01) at 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p. of the administered oil. The EOAO at 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.01 – 0.001) reduced the sleep latency when compared to the vehicle. At 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. the EOAO and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.01 - 0.001) prolonged the total sleeping time when compared to the vehicle.Conclusion: The study concluded that Asparagus officinalis L. essential oil possesses anxiolytic and sedative activities.

Green synthesis and multifaceted characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles derived from Senna bicapsularis for enhanced in vitro and in vivo biological investigation

Abstract Iron oxide nanoparticles have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their diverse applications, particularly in the therapeutic field. We present a green synthesis method using the extract of Senna bicapsularis, the production of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The successful synthesis of IONPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, revealing the characteristic peak at 295 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy were employed to elucidate the functional groups involved in the synthesis and characterize the morphological features of the nanoparticles. Subsequently, the synthesized IONPs were subjected to biological assays to assess their anticancer, enzyme inhibitory, analgesic, and sedative activities, following standardized protocols. The IONPs exhibited potent anticancer activity against the MDR 2780AD cell line, with IC50 values of 0.85 (extract) and 0.55 (iron oxide nanoparticles). Remarkable inhibitory effects were also observed against urease (IC50 = 12.98 ± 0.98) and xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 96.09 ± 0.65). Additionally, they demonstrated moderate carbonic anhydrase II inhibition, with 42.09% inhibition at a concentration of 0.25 mM. Furthermore, the extract and IONPs demonstrated a significant analgesic effect in a dose-dependent manner, while the sedative effect was also significant (p < 0.001).

Identification and quantification of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids in yellow wood anemone (<i>Anemone ranunculoides</i> L.) by UHPLC-DAD-HESI/MS analysis

Introduction. Yellow wood anemone (Anemone ranunculoides L.) is a herbaceous perennial. This plant grows in the European parts of Russia, Ciscaucasia, Siberia, Central Europe and other regions. It has many different pharmacological activities: immunomodulatory, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, diuretic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and antirheumatic activity. These various effects are due to their biologically active compounds, which include ephemeroids, protoanemonin, saponins, tannins, resins, ascorbic acid, ranunculin, oils lipids and triterpene glycosides. As to phenolic compounds, currently there is no sufficient information on flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) profiles in different species of genus Anemone. Because these groups of compounds are quite specific for yellow wood anemone, their detailed study seems to be relevant.Aim. The objective of this research is to identify and quantify flavonoids, HCAs, and their conjugates in Yellow wood anemone leaves, flowers and rhizomes with roots.Materials and methods. The identification was carried out by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric detection (UHPLC–DAD–ESI-MS) with quantification of individual compounds by external calibration method.Results and discussion. Among the 47 compounds, 30 flavonoids and 17 derivatives of HCAs were detected. Quercetin glycosides were found to be the major flavonoids in aerial parts whereas chalcone glycosides – in underground parts. The major HCA in rhizomes with roots was feruloyltartaric acid (1.18 mg/g) whereas chlorogenic acid was predominant in leaves and flowers (8.68 mg/g and 2.62 mg/g accordingly). The total content of phenolic compounds was estimated at 60 mg/g on a dry weight basis.Conclusion. As a result of the research a detailed profile of flavonoids and HCAs acids of anemon was described. The data obtained can serve to identify this species in the standardization of medicinal plant materials and taxonomic studies.

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) Leaves Infusion: Sedative Activity in Swiss-Webster Strain Male Mice

Insomnia is one of the sleep disorders and more severe symptoms can culminate in the onset of stress disorder. The high threat of being affected by COVID-19 causes insomnia, so drugs such as sedatives are required to treat this disorder. Research has been carried out on the sedative activity of infusion of citronella leaves (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) in Swiss webster strains of male mice by the traction test method. The study used twenty-five mice randomly divided into five groups. Each group was given different preparations such as negative control given Na CMC 0.5%, the positive control group was given suspension of diazepam and the infusion group of citronella leaves with concentrations of 10% w/v, 30% w/v and 50% w/v as the test groups sequentially. The results showed that citronella leaves infusion had increased sedative activity along with in conjunction with an increment in test concentration. The infusion concentration of citronella leaves that have maximum sedative activity was found at a concentration of 50% w/v in the variations tested and have significantly different results compared to the control group.

Standardization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Ziziphus mauritiana Extract for Sedative and Anticonvulsant Activity in Mice and Rat.

Ziziphus mauritiana, sometimes called Indian jujube or Ber, belongs to the Rhamnaceae group of plants. The aqueous and ethanolic Ziziphus mauritiana formulations were shown to have analgesic, antipyretic, potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-emetic properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the sedative and anticonvulsant activities of Ziziphus mauritiana extract by governing 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally. The leaves are extracted with ethanol and lukewarm water with a soxhlet apparatus for 72 hours. After that acute extract toxicity study was performed and then locomotor activity, pentobarbital induced sleeping time and anticonvulsant activity were performed with the extract. Oral administration of extract at dosages of 200 & 400 mg/kg was employed after an immediate toxicity test. At a dosage of 400 mg/kg, the number of locomotions was reduced significantly lengthened the period of time spent sleeping and there was showed a dosage-dependent reduction in all phases of an epileptic episode. In this study, the extract reduced locomotor activity, however, it had a superior profile for an antiepileptic action than phenytoin since it decreased locomotor activity to a lesser level. The considerable increase in pentobarbitone sleep hours with the extracts at a higher dose supported the sedative action of Z. mauritiana.

A Review on History, Chemical Constituents, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Recent Patents of Valerian

Background: Valerian officinalis is a variant of herbaceous flowering plants in the Caprifoliaceae family, members of which can be generally called valerians. Valerian is derived from Valerius, the Latin term “valere”, which means health or well-being. It is used as a sedative and anxiolytic in many countries. The beneficial effects of valerian have always been controversial due to inconsistent clinical trial results. Valerian contains more than 150 chemical constituents. Valerian exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic activities, and is used to treat various diseases. Objective: The main aim of this study was to gather knowledge on this herbal plant, its chemical constituents, and how they can be used to treat the most common diseases, such as depression, anxiety, headache, insomnia, etc. Result: Studies show that valerian is used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, sleep disorders, depression, and headaches, as this plant possesses sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic activities. Conclusion: This review has explored the different types of studies conducted on valerian, and with their help, we can learn more about its activities and medicinal uses. Additionally, this review paper includes the recent patents on this herbal plant.

Regulation of I1-imidazoline receptors on the sedation effect of dexmedetomidine in mice.

Dexmedetomidine has been used as a sedative drug in the clinic for a long time. Many studies demonstrated that the sedative mechanism of dexmedetomidine might be related to the activation of α2-adrenoceptor (α2AR). In addition, it was reported that dexmedetomidine had some affinity for the I1-imidazoline receptor (I1R); however, the role of I1R in dexmedetomidine-induced sedative effects and its possible mechanism are poorly studied. In the present study, we found that agmatine, an I1R agonist, was able to enhance the sedative effect of dexmedetomidine in mice. Efaroxan, an α2AR and I1R antagonist, could prevent and rescue the sedative action of dexmedetomidine in mice, and its preventive effect was better than atipamezole, the specific α2AR antagonist. Knockout of imidazoline receptor antisera-selected (IRAS), the functional I1R candidate protein, suppressed the dexmedetomidine-induced sedation. Moreover, IRAS knockout led to the inhibition of agmatine and efaroxan in regulating dexmedetomidine-induced sedative effects in mice, but not of atipamezole. We then used CHO cell lines that stably expressed α2AR and IRAS to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of IRAS in regulating the dexmedetomidine-induced sedative effect. The results showed that IRAS expression significantly up-regulated dexmedetomidine-induced ERK phosphorylation, which was enhanced by agmatine and inhibited by efaroxan at low concentrations. Therefore, by taking advantage of pharmacological and genetic approaches, our finding revealed the evidence that IRAS plays an important role in the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine, and the ERK signal pathway may be involved in the mechanism of IRAS in regulating dexmedetomidine-induced sedation. This study may offer valuable insights for the advancement of novel anesthetic adjuvants.

Ethyl cinnamate suppresses tumor growth through anti-angiogenesis by attenuating VEGFR2 signal pathway in colorectal cancer

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKaempferia galanga Linn. is an aromatic medicinal herb with extensively applied in India, China, Malaysia and other South Asia countries for thousands of years. It has been mentioned to treat abdominal tumors. Ethyl cinnamate (EC), one of the main chemical constituents of the rhizome of K. galanga, exhibited nematocidal, sedative and vasorelaxant activities. However, its anti-angiogenic activity, and anti-tumor effect have not been investigated. Aim of the studyTo investigate the anti-angiogenic mechanism of EC and its anti-tumor effect by suppressing angiogenesis. Materials and methodsThe in vitro anti-angiogenic effect was evaluated using HUVECs model induced by VEGF and zebrafish model in vivo. The influence of the EC on phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream signaling pathways were evaluated by western blotting assay. Molecule docking technology was conducted to explore the interaction between EC and VEGFR2. SPR assay was used for detecting the binding affinity between EC and VEGFR2. To further investigate the molecular mechanism of EC on anti-angiogenesis, VEGFR2 knockdown in HUVECs and examined the influence of the EC. Anti-tumor activity of EC was evaluated using colony formation assay and apoptosis assay. The inhibitory effect of EC on tumor growth was explored using HT29 colon cancer xenograft model. ResultsEC obviously inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of VEGF-induced HUVECs. EC also induced apoptosis of HUVECs. Moreover, it inhibited the development of vessel formation in zebrafish. Further investigations demonstrated that EC could suppress the phosphorylation of VEGFR2, and its downstream signaling pathways were altered in VEGF-induced HUVECs. EC formed a hydrogen bond to bind with the ATP binding site of the VEGFR2, and EC-VEGFR2 interaction was shown in SPR assay. The suppressive effect of EC on angiogenesis was abrogated after VEGFR2 knockdown in HUVECs. EC inhibited the colon cancer cells colony formation and induced apoptosis. In addition, EC suppressed tumor growth in colon cancer xenograft model, and no detectable hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In addition, it inhibited the phosphorylation of VEGFR2, and its downstream signal pathways in tumor. ConclusionsEC could inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer by suppressing angiogenesis via VEGFR2 signaling pathway, and suggested EC as a promising candidate for colon cancer treatment.

Neuropharmacological assessment and identification of possible lead compound (apomorphine) from Hygrophila spinosa through in-vivo and in-silico approaches

The aim of this research is to examine possible neurological activity of methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of Hygrophila spinosa and identify possible lead compounds through in silico analysis. In vivo, neuropharmacological activity was evaluated by using four distinct neuropharmacological assessment assays. Previously reported GC-MS data and earlier literature were utilized to identify the phytochemicals present in Hygrophila spinosa. Computational studies notably molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted with responsible receptors to assess the stability of the best interacting compound. Pharmacokinetics properties like absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity were considered to evaluate the drug likeliness properties of the identified compounds. All the in vivo results support the notion that different extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) of Hygrophila spinosa have significant (*p = 0.05) sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic, and anti-depressant activity. Among all the extracts, specifically methanol extracts of Hygrophila spinosa (MHS 400 mg/kg.b.w.) showed better sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant activity than aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts. In silico molecular docking analysis revealed that among 53 compounds 7 compounds showed good binding affinities and one compound, namely apomorphine (CID: 6005), surprisingly showed promising binding affinity to all the receptors . An analysis of molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that apomorphine (CID: 6005) had a high level of stability at the protein binding site. Evidence suggests that Hygrophila spinosa has significant sedative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant activity. In silico analysis revealed that a particular compound (apomorphine) is responsible for this action. Further research is required in order to establish apomorphine as a drug for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Determination of Sesquiterpenic Acids with Sedative Properties in Extracts of Medicinal Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)

Plant raw materials with a calming effect on the nervous system are increasingly used in modern phytotherapy. Lavender belongs to this group of plants, due to the content of essential oil with known therapeutic properties and other phytoconstituents that can be responsible for the sedative effect. Our studies confirmed the presence of sesquiterpenic acids characterized by sedative activity in lavender extracts. The contents of valerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acids in flowers and leafy stalks of two various Lavandula angustifolia cultivars—‘Blue River’ and ‘Ellagance Purple’—were determined. Analyses of methanolic extracts performed using the HPLC method showed that content of these sesquiterpenic acids varied with the cultivars and the morphological parts of the plant. The amount of acetoxyvalerenic acid was significantly higher than the amount of valerenic acid. In the ‘Blue River’ cultivar, higher levels of both compounds characterized by sedative properties were found. The content of valerenic acid in flowers ranged from 0.50 mg/100 g d.m. in the ‘Ellagance Purple’ cultivar to 1.75 mg/100 g d.m. in the ‘Blue River’ cultivar. In turn, leafy stalks contained 0.81 mg/100 g d.m. of valerenic acid in the ‘Ellagance Purple’ cultivar and 1.16 mg/100 g d.m. in the ‘Blue River’ cultivar. Interestingly, the ‘Blue River’ cultivar contained about 10 times more acetoxyvalerenic acid (65.80 mg/100 g d.m.) in flowers and four times more acetoxyvalerenic acid in leafy stalks (50.1 mg/100 g d.m.), in comparison with the ‘Ellagance Purple’ cultivar. The higher content of valerenic and acetoxyvalerenic acids in the flowers and leafy stalks of the ‘Blue River’ lavender cultivar can be important for its possible medical applications.

Comprehensive Exploration of the Pharmacological Importance of Calotropis (AKK) Species: A Review

Plant have been used for medical purpose from the past and today their use become more. The ethno-pharmacology is as old as man himself. Herbal medicines show a significant therapeutic diversity. Calotropis species includes Calotropis acia bunch, Calotropis gigantea and Calotropis procera are used in several traditional medicines to treat different diseases. The bark and leaves of Calotropis plant have shown anti-diarrheal activity, antimicrobial activity, antifungal activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, anti-tumor activity, anti-malarial activity, analgesic activity, antifertility activity, pregnancy interceptive activity, anthelmintic activity, hepatoprotective activity, antinociceptive activities, antihyperglycemic activity, anti-convulsant, sedative activity and antinociceptive activities. In this review we are going to discuss about Calotropis, its species with different activities which are useful for humans to treat different disease.

Anesthetic potential of essential oils from Brazilian native plants in Rhamdia quelen juveniles (silver catfish)

Abstract The sedative and anesthetic actions of several essential oils (EO) on fish have been demonstrated, stimulating the search for new options for natural anesthetics. This work evaluated the safety and sedative and anesthetic efficacy of EOs from three native Brazilian plants, Acmella oleracea (jambu), Aloysia hatschbachii and Cordia verbenacea (whale herb) in juvenile Rhamdia quelen (silver catfish). Anesthetic induction and recovery protocols (20 to 400 mg L-1) and long exposure (48 h) from 10 to 100 mg L-1 were tested. The EOs performed sedative and/or anesthetic activities: AOOi at a concentration of 20 mg L-1, AOOl at 50 and 100 mg L-1, AHOl, and CVOL (only sedation) 50 mg L⁻¹, as there were no important adverse effects and/or mortality. The results obtained indicate that Cordia verbenacea EO is the most promising as a sedative for juvenile silver catfish at a concentration of 50 mg L⁻¹.

Biological Activity study of the <i>Melampyrum sylvaticum</i> Extract

Introduction. Among wild plants that have an effect on the nervous system, species of the genus Melampyrum L. are distinguished, in particular, Melampyrum sylvaticum L. Extracts from the aerial part of the plant have long been used in folk medicine as sedatives and anticonvulsants. Currently, a number of studies are being carried out to confirm the possibility of using wildflower and drugs based on it in scientific medicine, as well as to obtain a drug with low toxicity, complex sedative and anticonvulsant activity, which will expand the arsenal of drugs used to treat diseases of the nervous system.Aim. To investigate the in vivo acute toxicity, anticonvulsant and sedative activity of a dry alcohol extract from the aerial part of Melampyrum sylvaticum.Materials and methods. The extract was obtained by extracting substances from the aerial part of Melampyrum sylvaticum with 50 % ethanol, by the method of repercolation with an equal loading of raw materials, followed by evaporation to a dry residue. The study of pharmacological properties was carried out on nonlinear white mice of both sexes weighing 17–25 g. Acute toxicity of the extract was determined by oral administration in doses up to 5000 mg/kg. Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated in the corazole convulsion test, sedative activity was evaluated in the open field test.Results and discussion. When determining the acute toxicity of a dry alcoholic extract from the aerial part of Melampyrum sylvaticum, there was no lethality in the experimental group of animals. LD50 could not be determined. In the corazol convulsion test, it was shown that oral administration of the extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg does not affect the latent period of convulsions, but significantly increases the life expectancy of animals. At a dose of 200 mg/kg, the latent period of seizures and life expectancy significantly increased, and the survival rate of animals was 20 %. When studying sedative activity of the extract from Melampyrum sylvaticum in the open field test, a decrease in vertical activity, a decrease in the number of vertical stands, a decrease in horizontal activity along the periphery and the number of animals entering the center of the area were noted, which indicates a suppression of orienting-exploratory behavior. In the experiment, there was a decrease in the intensity of grooming as an indicator of anxiety for this group of animals. A course of administration of the extract for thirty days led to a decrease in the vertical activity of mice and inhibition of orienting-exploratory behavior.Conclusion. It was found that a dry alcoholic extract from the aerial part of Melampyrum sylvaticum exhibits biological activity in animal experiments, compensating for the effect of corazol, and has a pronounced anticonvulsant and sedative effect. The LD50 of the extract when administered orally was more than 5000 mg/kg.

Development of the Composition and Technology of Capsules Containing Peony Evadiant Rhizomes and Roots Dry extract and Glycine

Introduction. The development of dosage forms of sedative action is an urgent task of pharmaceutical technology in view of the prevalence of diseases of the nervous system. Peony rhizomes and roots dry extract in combination with glycine have a sedative and anxiolytic effect, which is associated with an improvement in the psycho-emotional state. Taking into account the physicochemical characteristics and composition of biologically active substances of peony rhizomes and dry extract roots, it is necessary to select auxiliary substances that improve its technological properties.Aim. Development of the composition and technology of hard gelatin capsules containing dry peony rhizomes and roots, dry extract and glycine.Materials and methods. Objects of research – dry peony rhizomes and roots (LLC "Kazan Extract Plant", Russia), glycine (JSC "Biokhimik", Russia). Excipients: apple pectin (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), starch (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), aerosil (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), lactose (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), microcrystalline cellulose (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), basic magnesium carbonate (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), magnesium oxide (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia).Results and discussion. The composition and technology for obtaining capsules containing dry peony rhizomes and roots, dry extract and glycine, have been substantiated. The quality indicators of peony rhizomes and roots of dry extract in combination with glycine and developed capsules were determined.Conclusion. The composition of capsules of peony rhizomes and roots of dry extract and glycine has been developed, auxiliary substances have been selected to ensure satisfactory technological properties of the mass for filling the capsules.

Assessment of the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant potential of Parquetina nigrescens (Afzel.) Bullock in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe recent growing concerns about the multisystemic nature of mental health conditions in the global population are facilitating a new paradigm involving alternative natural, nutritional, and complementary therapies. Herbal remedies despite accounts in literature of their ethnobotanical as alternative remedies for diverse ailments, remain underexplored for psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Aim of the studyHence, the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant properties of a hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of Parquetina nigrescens (PN) in male Wistar rats were investigated. Materials and methodsThe sedative effect was evaluated using the Diazepam sleeping time test while anxiety was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). This was after pre-treatment with 100, 150, and 250 mg/kg of PN or the standard drugs (1 mg/kg diazepam and 30 mg/kg imipramine) for 14 consecutive days. Behavioral tests (Open Field test, Elevated Plus-Maze test, and Forced Swim test) were performed on days 1 and 14, to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of PN. Oxidative stress and neurochemical markers were determined in the brain homogenates of the animals. ResultsThe duration of sleep was significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the PN-administered group compared to the control. The behavioral models showed that PN exhibited antidepressant and anxiolytic properties in PTZ-induced animals. Significant reductions were observed in GSH level and SOD activity while MDA, nitrite, and GPx levels were significantly increased in PTZ-induced rats. However, treatment with PN significantly improved brain antioxidant status by ameliorating the PTZ-induced oxidative stress. Dopamine, cortisol, and acetylcholine esterase activity levels were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated while serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factors were reduced in PTZ-induced rats compared with the control. ConclusionThe PN demonstrated neurotransmitter modulatory ability by ameliorating the PTZ-induced neurochemical dysfunction. Findings from this study showed that PN exhibited sedative, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities in rats.

Unveiling the pharmacological potential of Coelogyne suaveolens: An investigation of its diverse pharmacological activities by invivo and computational studies.

The medicinal potential of Coelogyne suaveolens, a traditional medicinal plant, was investigated through invivo and molecular docking studies. The ethyl acetate fraction of the plant's acetonic extract was subjected to various bioactivity tests to assess its analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative effects on Swiss albino mice. Furthermore, we used GCMS to identify the bioactive chemicals in the extract's ethyl acetate fraction. The root and bulb extracts demonstrated significant analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, and tail immersion tests in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the control. Again, the extract exhibited moderate anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus maze test at a dosage of 400 mg/kg body weight, while the root extract showed significant anxiolytic activity in the hole board test at the same dosage. Significant sedative activity was observed in the hole cross, open field, and rotarod tests at a dosage of 400 mg/kg. According to molecular docking studies, the extract has the potential to serve as an analgesic medication by reducing the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. Overall, the findings suggest that C. suaveolens has substantial therapeutic potential for the development of novel treatments for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Acute toxicity (LD50 values) and neuropharmacological profile of n-hexane fraction of Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) in mice

Background: Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) ethnomedically is known for its sedative property and beneficial treatment of other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, the neuropharmacological properties of the n-hexane extract of this aromatic plant leaf have not been reported, hence this study. Objective: To determine the acute toxicity profile (LD50) and some CNS activities of the n-hexane extract of fresh leaf of P. alliacea (NHEPA) in mice. Method: The fresh leaf of Petiveria alliacea was collected and the n-hexane extract obtained using appropriate technique. The LD50 was determined for both the oral and intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. All treatments were administered via i.p. route. Behavioural activity was evaluated using the novelty-induced behaviour (NIB) to assess rearing, grooming and locomotion; sedative activity was tested on ketamine-induced hypnosis while the anticonvulsant potential was assessed using chemo-convulsants. The mechanism of action was determined using amphetamine as agonist and flumazenil as an antagonist. Results: The LD50 values obtained for the extract was 2450 and 346 mg/kg for oral and intraperitoneal routes respectively. The extract displayed significant CNS depressant activity on all NIB parameters. NHEPA significantly prolonged sleep latency and total sleeping time at 100 and 150 mg/kg. i.p. The extract also offered some mild protection against convulsion across the model used. The probable mechanism of action may include inhibition of monoamine pathways and augmentation of the GABAA- benzodiazepine complex pathway. Conclusion: NHEPA showed CNS depressant activity, exhibited significant sedative activity and mild anticonvulsant activity.

Antidepressant, anxiolytic sedative and muscle relaxant activities of Nicotiana plumaginifolia in mice

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia is conventionally used as tranquilizer, diuretic, mucolytic, insecticide and a vomitive. In order to pharmacologically validate the sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant and muscle relaxant activity of crude extract N. plumbaginifolia (NPCE). For the assessment of antidepressant effects, Forced Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST) was carried out. NPCE significantly (300-500mg/kg) decreases immobility time in both FST and TST. Pretreatment with NPCE at 300 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg significantly increased entries of animals to the open spaces and significantly reduced the time spent in the closed spaces in elevated plus maze (EPM). For assessment of sedative effect, NPCE was administered to experimental mice in open field test (OFT). The overall effective was highly significant and dose dependent and reduced the number of ambulation and rearing. Similarly, muscle relaxant effect was validated in traction test, where NPCE at doses of 300 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg did not show any effect on muscle co-ordination in comparison to standard. Altogether, outcomes of the current data revealed potent antidepressant, sedative and anxiolytic like activities of N. plumbaginifolia in in-vivo experimental animal models. Further studies are needed to identify and isolate pharmacological active compounds behind these effects and the possible mechanisms involved.

Central nervous system depressant effect of ethanol extract of Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S.Irwin &amp; Barneby in mice

Context: Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S.Irwin &amp; Barneby which belongs to Fabaceae family is widely used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases and disorders such as constipation, insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy, malaria and skin diseases. Aims: To investigate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect of 70% ethanol extract of S. spectabilis leaves (70SSEE) using different neuropharmacological models in mice. Methods: The CNS depressant effect of 70SSEE was investigated by the classical models of depression as elevated plus maze (EPM), hole cross (HC), and thiopental sodium (TS)-induced sleeping time tests in mice. The EPM test was used to assess the anxiolytic activity of 70SSEE at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, while HC and TS-induced sleeping time tests at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg were used to assess the locomotor and sedative activity in mice. Results: In EPM test, 70SSEE at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the number of open arm entries and time spent in open arm by mice compared to controls. In HC test, 70SSEE significantly inhibited the movement of animals across the hole in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the administration of 70SSEE to mice significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased sleep latency time and increased sleep duration of TS-induced mice. Conclusions: 70SSEE has CNS depressant effects which is a rational explanation for its use in traditional medicine. From these findings, it is hoped that this plant could be used in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including anxiety and insomnia.

A Systematic Review on Effect of Scoparia Dulcis on Alterations in Antioxidant Status, Oxidative Damage in Diabetes and Other Pharmacological Activities

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Diabetes mellitus is presently a burden not only on the individuals affected by the disease but also on society, particularly the national health system of all the countries. The war against diabetes through the development of new drugs is an ongoing continuous process. Despite many advances in the development of oral hypoglycemic agents, an ideal drug for treating diabetes mellitus is still a distant reality. As pointed out by World Health Organisation (WHO), prevention of diabetes and its complications is not only a major challenge for the future, but essential if health for all is to be attainable target. WHO study groups emphasize strongly in this regard the optimal, rational uses of traditional and natural indigenous medicine. The study of such medicinal plants might offer a natural key to unlock diabetologists pharmacy for the future. Indian traditional medicines have a long history to treat diabetic mellitus (DM) by the herbs and herbal extracts. Scoparia dulcis, also known as sweet broom weed, is a perennial herb which is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. In these regions, the fresh or dried plant has traditionally been used as one of remedies for diabetes and various diseases. The plant is abundantly found in many countries and can be easily grown and cultivated, should there be a need for mass production. The whole plant is used for ailments like diarrhea, stomach-ache, kidney stones, kidney problems, and fever. S. dulcis is a rich source of flavones, terpenes and steroids S. dulcis is one of the traditional antidiabetic herbs. There were so many research work done on its antidiabetic properties. S. dulcis has been used by human for centuries as a medicinal herb. S. dulcis has also been shown to exhibit analgesic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, sedative, hypnotic, antiulcer, antisickling, and antimicrobial activities. Given this evidence, it may be concluded that S. dulcis could be promoted among the masses as an alternative and complementary therapy for diabetes, provided further scientific studies on the toxicological and pharmacological aspects are carried out through either in vivo or clinical means.