Anxiolytic-like effect of chronic treatment with Erythrina velutina extract in the elevated plus-maze test.
J Ethnopharmacol
; 118(2): 295-9, 2008 Jul 23.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18550307
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
In Brazil, Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae) is widely used as a tranquilizer and/or sedative, and its extract exerts an anxiolytic-like effect profile in animal models, although these results may be caused by its sedative or amnesic effects. AIMS, MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
Thus, this study evaluated the effect of acute and chronic (23-26 days) administrations of the hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of Erythrina velutina (orally) in mice submitted to the following tests elevated plus-maze, forced swim, spontaneous locomotor activity, and habituation to active chamber. Chlordiazepoxide and imipramine were used as standard drugs.RESULTS:
In the elevated plus-maze test, chronic, but not acute, Erythrina velutina (100mg/kg) administration increased the percentage of open arm entries, an effect also seen in both acute and chronic treatments with chlordiazepoxide (7.5mg/kg). In the forced swim test, only imipramine (25mg/kg) decreased immobility time. Impairment of habituation was seen only with acute imipramine administration and with the lowest doses of Erythrina velutina extract tested in acute (10mg/kg) and chronic (50mg/kg) administrations.CONCLUSIONS:
These results suggest that chronic administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of Erythrina velutina exerts an anxiolytic-like effect on mice, and it could serve as a new approach for the treatment anxiety, although it may have an amnesic effect at low doses.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ansiedade
/
Ansiolíticos
/
Extratos Vegetais
/
Erythrina
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Ethnopharmacol
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil