Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Umukoro, S., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Aladeokin, A.C., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Aim of the study: The extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (AC) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for ulcers, rheumatic pains, febrile convulsions and for enhancing physical performance. In this study, the anti-stress and anticonvulsant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia were investigated in mice. Materials and methods: The anti-stress activity was assessed based on the ability of the extract to alter the duration of immobility, in the forced swim endurance test, whilst a picrotoxin-treated animal, was employed as the model for convulsive seizures. Results: The extract (100-400. mg/kg) given orally was found to significantly (p<0.05) reduce the duration of immobility, which suggest an anti-stress/anti-fatigue property. However, AC when tested at doses between 100 and 400. mg/kg did not prevent convulsions induced by picrotoxin in mice. The acute toxicity study carried out in mice revealed that the extract was well tolerated by the animals, as no death was observed at oral doses of 500-4000. mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study provide evidence, which may support the use of Alchornea cordifolia against stress or fatigue in ethnomedicine. © 2009.
alchornea cordifolia extract; alpha methyldopamine; amphetamine; anticonvulsive agent; picrotoxin; plant extract; unclassified drug; water; alchornea cordifolia; animal experiment; animal model; anticonvulsant activity; article; controlled study; convulsion; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug mechanism; drug screening; endurance; fatigue; forced swimming test; hyperventilation; immobilization; medicinal plant; motor dysfunction; mouse; nonhuman; plant leaf; sedation; toxicity testing; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Disease Models, Animal; Euphorbiaceae; Fatigue; Female; Male; Mice; Phytotherapy; Picrotoxin; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Seizures; Stress, Psychological; Swimming; Alchornea cordifolia; Animalia; Mus