Investigation of Neuropharmacological Effects of Flemingia stricta (Roxb.) Leaves

Background: Traditional preparation of the leaf of Flemingia stricta (Fabaceae) Roxb. , a medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent, has been used for the treatment of different diseases as a herbal preparation. Our purpose was to analyze the neuropharmacological effects of different chemical extracts of Flemingia stricta Roxb. in mice.

Methods: In present study, the anxiogenic activity of crude extracts of Flemingia stricta leaves was determined using standard animal behavioral models, such as hole cross and open field; Sedative and anxiolytic potential were evaluated by performing thiopental sodium induced sleeping times tests and elevated plus maze test respectively.

Results: The crude extracts at the doses of 200 and 400mg/Kg exhibited a significant dose-dependent suppression of movement of mice in both open field and hole cross test. In the anxiolytic and sedative study, extracts displayed an increased percentage of entry of mice into open arm at both doses which are 200 and 400mg/Kg. Plant extracts produced a significant increase in sleeping duration and reduction of onset of sleep compared to control at the both doses of 200 and 400 mg/Kg.

Conclusion: This study clearly showed that the treated extracts have promising anxiolytic and sedative effect. Further studies on the prime constituent of this plant extract may provide lead compound in future.