Neuropharmacological effects of ethanolic extract of Portulaca quadrifida Linn. in mice

Abstract

In the present study, some neuropharmacological effects of ethanolic extract of Portulaca quadrifida Linn. were studied in mice using various models. The effect of ethanolic extract of Portulaca quadrifida Linn. on central and peripheral nervous system were studied by using spontaneous motor activity, antinociceptive activity, in vivo muscle relaxant activity(Grip strength) and anticonvulsant activity. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of extract was also carried out. The extract (400 and 800mg./kg i.p.) showed a significant reduction in spontaneous motor activity, antinociceptive activity and also showed reduction in time to recover from the electrically induced convulsions.The effect of extract on grip strength was found non significant. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenoids/steroids, tannins and glycosides. Results from the present study indicate that Portulaca quadrifida Linn. has significant effect on central nervous system but not on peripheral nervous system.