Neuropharmacological evaluation of Pentapetes phoenicea Linn. extracts

Abstract

Background: The plant Pentapetes phoenicea was traditionally used to treat central nervous system disorders.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the neuropharmacology of the plant using various methods
involving rats and mice. Objective: The study probes the neuropharmacological activities of P. phoenicea in rats
and mice. Materials and Methods: The effect of the extracts on pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, different
models of seizures, spontaneous motor activity, exploratory behavior, and motor co-ordination were evaluated.
Results: The extracts elicited significant prolongation of pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, reduction in
spontaneous motor activity, and exploratory behavior. The extracts prolonged the onset of seizures. Significant
muscle relaxation was expressed in extract treated groups. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were
elevated in rats pretreated with P. phoenicea. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was
performed to rutin isolated from a methanolic extract of P. phoenicea. Conclusion: The results confirmed that
P. phoenicea possesses significant anxiolytic potential with sedative action, and the mechanism underlying
involves GABAnergic activity.