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DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1352023
CNS depressant properties of the crude extract of Crescentia cujete in mice
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.
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