Neuropharmacological studies of drevogenins isolated from Wattakaka volubilis (Linn.f.) stapf. in mice

Abstract

The Wattakaka volubilis ethanolic extract (WVEE), Wattakaka volubilis sapogenin mixture (WVSM) and drevogenins (DVG) isolated from Wattakaka volubilis (Linn.f) Stapf. were evaluated for neuropharmacological activities using spontaneous motor activity, rotarod performance, motor performance evolution and muscle relaxant test models in mice. Sapogenins seemed to be responsible for neuropharmacological activities in the studied models. When compared to the saline treated control WVEE at a dose level of 200 mg/kg, WVSM at a dose level of 50 mg/kg and DVG I and II at a dose level of 20 mg/kg body weightsignificantly increased (p<0.001***) the gross behavioral effect such as gripping strength, muscle tone and muscle coordination.