CNS Depressant Activity of Various Parts of Heritiera fomes

Abstract

Heritiera fomes (Family: Malvaceae) is usually known as “Sundori tree” in Bangladesh. The plant is used in pain, gastrointestinal problems, goiter, fever, diabetes etc. The present investigation was undertaken which deals with the central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of ethanol extract of H.fomes in mice models. The central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of H.fomes was evaluated by the classical models of depression as open field, hole cross tests in mice. The animals were divided into eight groups containing five mice each. The test groups received extract at the doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight orally whereas the control group received distilled water (10 mL/kg, p.o.). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as standard drug. The plant extract significantly decreased the locomotor activity of mice in open field and hole cross tests when compared to the control (p < 0.05). It is observed that the extract showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased in immobility time force. The present work depicts the possible CNS depressant activity of H.fomes in mice models. The obtained results provide support for the use of this species in traditional medicine and warrants further pharmacological investigations that could lead to novel leads in future.