Abstract
Neuropharmacological studies have been conducted with the methanolic fraction of the
root extract of Mikania cordata (Burm) B. L. Robinson on experimental animals. It was found to produce alteration
in the general behaviour pattern, reduction in spontaneous motility, hypothermia,
potentiation of pentobarbitone-sleeping time, analgesia, reduction in exploratory
behaviour pattern, and suppression of aggressive behaviour. The extract also caused
suppression of conditioned avoidance response and showed antagonism to amphetamine
toxicity. The observations suggest that the root of M. cordata possesses a potent CNS-depressant action.
