The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2019;8(2):38-40 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2019.8202

Research Article

Sedating property of Ethanolic root extract of Carpolobia lutea in swiss white mice

Justin Atiang Beshel^1,2 , Favour Nyoh Beshel^1,2 , Gabriel Otu Ujong³ , Oluwatosin Victoria Imade⁴ , Sunday Agba Bisong²

Justin Atiang Beshel,Favour Nyoh Beshel,Gabriel Otu Ujong,Oluwatosin Victoria Imade,Sunday Agba Bisong

1. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka – Bushenyi District, Uganda
2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar-Nigeria
3. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Cross River University of Technology, Okuku Campus-Nigeria
4. Science Department, Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka – Bushenyi District, Uganda

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 12th February, 2019 / Published : 20th April, 2019

Abstract

Carpolobia lutea (C. lutea) is widely used as an alternative medication for varying health disorders. The present study investigated the effect of the ethanolic root extract of this plant, C. lutea on locomotor and exploratory behavior in male Swiss white mice using the open field maze, and light-dark transition box. 30 Male Swiss white mice made up of 10 per group were used for the study. Group 1 was the control group, and was administered 0.9% normal saline. Groups 2 and 3 were administered 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg ethanolic root extract of C. lutea respectively. Administration was via oral gavage, 5 minutes before introduction into the experimental mazes. The number of line crosses, frequency of rearing, walling activity, and central square entries following drug administration, was dose dependently decreased (p < 0.001) compared with the untreated group. There was also a corresponding increased (p < 0.001) frequency, and duration of freezing behaviour in the extract treated groups. These indices imply that root extract of Carpolobia lutea reduces locomotor and exploratory behaviour; a possibility that C. lutea possesses a sedating property, thus reducing the activity of the amygdala with a consequent calming effect.