Sedative and anticonvulsant effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Waltheria indica in mice

Abstract

This study evaluated the central action of Waltheria indica extract. Aqueous ethanolic extract of the plant showed bioactivity in acetic-acid induced stretches in animal model. The central effects of the most biologically active fraction (ethyl acetate) of extract of Waltheria indica was evaluated in mice using the elevated plus maze paradigm and the strychnine and leptazol-induced convulsions. Sedative effect was studied using the amylobarbitone-induced sleeping time. The extract fraction significantly (p<0.05) increased the amylobarbitone sleepirg time and protected (100%) mice from death due to pentylenetetrazole convulsion. The extract failed to protect mice against strychnine convulsion, even though it delayed 1he time of onset of death. The exploratory activity was also significantly (p<10.05) decreased in the extract treated mice. The extract blocked leptazole-induced convulsion, potentiated amylobarbitone sleeping time and decreased exploratory activity, indicating anticonvulsant and sedative actions. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc.