Pharmacological evaluation of sedative and hypnotic activities of methanolic extract of Lycopus europaeus in mice.

Abstract

The methanolic extract of Lycopus europaeus was evaluated on central nervous system. The methanolic extract produced significant sedative effect at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg (by oral route), compared to reference substance diazepam in hole board and thiopental -induced sleeping time methods. While the hypnotic effect was calculated at the doses of 800 and 1000 mg/kg via oral pathway significantly reduced in both the reestablishment time and number of head dips during the traction and hole-board tests. In conclusion, these results suggest that the methanolic extract of Lycopus europaeus possess potent sedative and hypnotic activities, which supported its therapeutic use for insomnia.