Planta Med 2013; 79 - PE4
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1352023

CNS depressant properties of the crude extract of Crescentia cujete in mice

AO Aderibigbe 1, T Olufunmilayo 2, OI Agboola 3
  • 1University of Ibadan, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, PMB 5017, Ibadan
  • 2University of Ibadan, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, PMB 5017, Ibadan
  • 3Niger Delta University, Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ammassoma

The study investigated the CNS depressant properties of the crude extract of the pulp of the fruit of Crescentia cujete with a view of establishing the scientific basis of its use in folk medicine (Burkill, 1985).

The extract (125 – 1000 mg/kg) was investigated for its effect on novelty induced rearing, grooming, locomotors activity and head dips using open field and hole board test. The anxiolytic effect of the extract was performed using elevated plus maze. The mechanisms of action of the extract were determined with the antagonist; atropine (0.5 mg/kg), yohimbine (1 mg/kg), cyproheptadine (0.5 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (0.2 mg/kg).

The extract produced dose dependent significant reduction in rearing, grooming, locomotor activity (Table 1) and head dips (28.5 ± 1.6, 24.2 ± 1.5, 20.0 ± 1.4, 18.0 ± 1.4 vs. 39.7 ± 1.7) in mice when compared to control. The inhibitory effect of the extract on rearing and head dips was partially reversed in the presence of atropine showing the involvement of muscarinic receptors in its activity. The other antagonist did not reverse the inhibitory effect of the extract. The extract produced anxiogenic effect on the elevated plus maze.

The study concluded that the fruit of Crescentia cujete contain constituents that possess central depressant properties.

Tab. 1: Effect of crude extract of Crescentia cujete on novelty induced rearing, grooming and locomotor activity in mice

Treatment

Dose (mg/kg)

NIR/30Min

NIG/30Min

LA/5Min

Control

0.2 ml/20 g

168.4 ± 1.6

40.8 ± 2.0

65.8 ± 1.7

Crescentia

125

146.2 ± 3.7*

33.4 ± 1.2

55.2 ± 0.9

Crescentia

250

92.8 ± 0.9*

28.2 ± 0.5*

49.2 ± 0.9*

Crescentia

500

70.0 ± 1.2*

27.8 ± 0.4*

40.6 ± 0.9*

Crescentia

1000

25.8 ± 0.7*

21.0 ± 1.0*

35.0 ± 0.9*

Diazepam

2.0

7.0 ± 0.7*

11.0 ± 3.1*

25.0 ± 1.2*

Reference:

[1] Burkill, H.M. 1985. The useful plants of Tropical West Africa. 2nd Edition. Richmond, UK, Kew Royal Botanical Garden, London 1; 252 – 253

Keywords: NIR; Novelty induced rearing; NIG, Novelty induced grooming, LA, Locomotor activity