Central nervous system activity of Leucas inflata Benth. in mice

Phytomedicine. 2002 Sep;9(6):501-7. doi: 10.1078/09447110260573128.

Abstract

The analgesic activity of the methanol and acetone extracts of Leucas inflata L. (family Labiatae) was evaluated in mice using different experimental models. The effect of the two extracts on pentobarbitone-sleeping time, motor activity, sensorimotor coordination, carrageen induced inflammation, and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia has also been investigated. The two crude extracts have been phytochemically analyzed and some constituents isolated and characterized. These included stigmasterols, a chromone and coumarins. Extracts of L. inflata L., given at single oral doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg, significantly and dose-dependently, reduced formalin-induced pain, acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions and increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. Both extracts caused significant and dose-related impairment in the sensorimotor control and ambulatory and total motor activity of treated mice. Both extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory action by reducing paw edema of treated mice. The extracts did not significantly affect the rectal temperature of normothermic mice. However, they were effective in preventing Brewers yeast induced pyrexia. It is concluded that the crude methanol and acetone extract of L. inflata has CNS depressant properties, manifested as antinociception and sedation. Both extracts have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacology
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Body Temperature / drug effects
  • Carrageenan / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Agents / pharmacology*
  • Central Nervous System Agents / therapeutic use
  • Coumarins / pharmacology
  • Coumarins / therapeutic use
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Edema / chemically induced
  • Edema / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Lamiaceae*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Psychomotor Performance / drug effects
  • Stigmasterol / pharmacology
  • Stigmasterol / therapeutic use
  • Toxicity Tests, Acute

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • Coumarins
  • Plant Extracts
  • Carrageenan
  • Stigmasterol