Evaluation of the Neuropharmacological Potential of Zapoteca portoricensis (Jacq) HM. Hernández in Experimental Murine Models.
Felix Asogwa Keneolisa, *Bonaventure Chinonso Obi, Uchechukwu Loveth Iyanyi, Theophine Chinwuba Akunne
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| Key words:
Zapoteca portoricensis, neuropharmacology, sedative, antidepressant. .
*Corresponding author: bonaventure.obi@unn.edu.ng; 08035704228. DOI: 10.48245/tnpr-2734391.2021.2.102 Page No.: 13-22 Volume: 2, Issue 1 2021 Trends in Natural Products Research Copy Right: NAPREG |
Abstract Zapoteca portoricensis (Jacq) HM Hernández is a medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family. It is traditionally used in Southern Nigeria as anticonvulsant, antispasmodic and in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders with acclaimed success. The anti-depressant and sedative potential of the methanol root extract and fractions of Z. portoricensis was investigated using murine models. In each test (open field test, forced swimming test and elevated plus maze), mice were allotted into five groups (n = 5) and administered distilled water (control), Z. portoricensis root extract and fractions (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, p.o), as well as diazepam (0.5 mg/kg).In the open field test, Z. portoricensis extract (ZPE) decreased the number of line crossing, centre square duration, rearing and grooming non-dose dependently while increasing freezing time. N-hexane fraction (HF) and methanol fraction (MF) exhibited similar results. In the forced swimming test, ZPE (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased the duration of immobility and increased swimming duration. The fractions significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the duration of immobility and increased duration of swimming with HF producing the highest effects. In the elevated plus maze, ZPE exhibited a dose-dependent increase in the number of entries in the open arms, while the fractions caused a decrease in open arm entries. EF (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant (p <0.05) decrease compared with the control. Results obtained from this study revealed that Z.portoricensis root extract and fractions may serve as a useful sedative and anti-depressant agent. Evaluation of the Neuropharmacological Potential of Zapoteca portoricensis (Jacq) HM. Hernández in Experimental Murine Models. Felix Asogwa Keneolisa, *Bonaventure Chinonso Obi, Uchechukwu Loveth Iyanyi, Theophine Chinwuba Akunne Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41001, Enugu State, Nigeria |