CNS Activity of <I>Jussiaea suffruticosa</I> Linn. Extract in Rats and Mice

Abstract

The dried extract of Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. (Onagraceae) was evaluated for CNS activity in rats and mice. General behaviour, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxant activity and phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleeping time were evaluated. The whole plant of J. suffruticosa Linn. was extracted with methanol and the solvent was removed by vacuum distillation. The extract caused a reduction in spontaneous activity (general behavioural profile), a decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern in the Y-maze and Head dip tests and a reduction in muscle relaxant activity in rotarod, 30° inclined screen and traction tests. The extract also significantly potentiated phenobarbitone sodiuminduced sleeping time. Preliminary tests indicate that the methanolic extract of J. suffruticosa Linn. in doses of 200–400 mgkg−1, has significant psychopharmacological activity.