Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and celery (Apium graveolens) extracts on induction and sleeping time in mice

Abstract

The effects of different extracts of parsley and celery leaves (Et 2 O, CHCl 3 , EtOAC, n -BuOH, and H 2 O) on ketamine-induced sleeping time have been investigated. The experiments were conducted on BALB/C white laboratory mice divided in five groups. On the first day, each group received ketamine 40 mg/ml s.c. After 5 t 1/2 (next day), mice were treated with 10% extracts (Et 2 O, CHCl 3 , EtOAC, n -BuOH, H 2 O) of parsley and celery leaves, 1 ml/kg i.p. in two doses, each after 2-h interval. One hour after the last dose, animals received ketamine 40 mg/kg s.c. Just after administration of ketamine, induction time and time of sleeping were measured. Most of the examined extracts of both plants exhibited insignificant changes in induction time. Only the EtOAc extract of celery exhibited significant increase, whereas Et 2 O and n -BuOH extract of parsley induced significant decrease of induction time in treated animals. Furthermore, all examined extracts of both plants exhibited increase of sleeping time in animals treated with ketamine. The Et 2 O extract of both celery and parsley exhibited the highest effect. Generally, examined celery extracts caused prolongation of sleeping time in animals compared with those obtained for parsley. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Ltd.