Effect of Zizyphus spina-christi Willd Aqueous Extract on the Central Nervous System in Mice

Authors

B. Adzu
Samson Amos, Cedarville UniversityFollow
S. Dzarma
C. Wambebe
K. Gamaniel

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2002

Journal Title

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

ISSN

0378-8741

Volume

79

Issue

1

First Page

13

Last Page

16

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00348-8

PubMed ID

11744289

Abstract

The effects of the aqueous extract of Zizypus spina-christi Willd root bark against exploratory behaviour, spontaneous motor activity (SMA), motor coordination (Rota-rod performance) and pentobarbital-induced hypnosis were investigated in mice. The extract induced a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent reduction in exploratory behaviour and SMA when administered orally. It also prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time but failed to inhibit motor coordination (rota-rod performance) in the experimental mice. These results suggest that the extract contained some constituents that depress the central nervous system, which may not be due to neuromuscular blockade.

Keywords

Exploratory behaviour, spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination, pentobarbital sleep

Recommended Citation

Adzu, B.; Amos, Samson; Dzarma, S.; Wambebe, C.; and Gamaniel, K., "Effect of Zizyphus spina-christi Willd Aqueous Extract on the Central Nervous System in Mice" (2002). Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications. 126.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/pharmaceutical_sciences_publications/126