Some neuropharmacological effects of the methanolic root extract of Cissus quadrangularis in mice.

Abstract

In this study, some neuropharmacological effects of methnolic root extract
of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (CQ) belongs to family Vitaceae were
studied in mice using various models. The CQ root extract significantly
inhibited acetic acid-induced writhings and increased tail flick withdrawal
response in mice. The effects of CQ on CNS were studied by using,
spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behaviour, rota-rod performance
and potentiation of pentobarbitone sleeping time in mice. Preliminary
phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity values were also carried out
and LD50 was found to be 1000 mg/kg by i p route. The extract (50,100
and 200 mg/kg i. p.) produced reduction in spontaneous motor activity,
exploratory behaviour and motor coordination and prolonged
pentobarbitone sleeping time. Preliminary qualitative chemical studies
indicated the presence of triterpenoids, flovonols, sapononis, and alkaloids
in the extract. The results suggest that the methanolic root extract of CQ
contains some active principles, which may be sedative in nature. (Afr. J.
Biomed. Res. 9:69 – 75, May 2006)

Keywords: Cissus quadrangularis; Sedation; Spontaneous motor activity, Exploratory
Behaviour, Motor coordination, Pentobarbital sleeping time