Iniaghe L.O., Ighodaro I., Magaji M.G., Tabot T.P., Maduka I.T.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; 24570 Stewart Street, Loma Linda, CA, United States
Iniaghe, L.O., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, 24570 Stewart Street, Loma Linda, CA, United States; Ighodaro, I., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Magaji, M.G., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Tabot, T.P., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Maduka, I.T., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Stem bark and leaves of Lophira alata (Family: Ochnaceae) have been used traditionally for their anti-psychotic, anti-convulsant and anxiolytic properties. Since no existing data was found on the neurobehavioural properties, this study was carried out to evaluate some neurobehavioural properties of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of L. alata in animal models. Methods: The oral mean lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was estimated, and preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted. Lophira alata extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) was investigated for antidepressant effect using the forced swim and tail suspension tests, and the anxiolytic potential was assessed using the stair case and hole board tests. Pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion test was used to investigate the anticonvulsant potential of the extract. Results: The LD50 was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. Oral administration of L. alata extract produced a significant (p<0.05) non-dose-dependent decrease in the period of immobility in both the forced swim and tail suspension tests. While a significant decrease (p<0.05) in episodes of grooming was recorded in the staircase test, the number of head dips was not significantly reduced (p>0.05) in the hole board test. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion, a non-dose-dependent increase in onset of tonic-clonic seizures and protection from death was recorded. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that the aqueous stem bark extract of L. alata possesses neurobehavioural properties which may account for its use in ethnomedicine. © 2015 by De Gruyter.
alkaloid derivative; diazepam; flavonoid; imipramine; Lophira alata extract; pentetrazole; phenobarbital; phytosterol; plant extract; plant glycoside; plant medicinal product; saponin derivative; tannin derivative; triterpenoid; unclassified drug; acute toxicity; animal experiment; antidepressant activity; anxiety disorder; aqueous solution; Article; bark; cognition; controlled study; convulsion; depression; drug screening; forced swim test; grooming; hole board test; LD50; Lophira alata; male; medicinal plant; mouse; neuroprotection; nonhuman; pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure; phytochemistry; plant stem; staircase test; tail suspension test; tonic clonic seizure; tranquilizing activity