STUDIES ON THE ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN L. (ANACARDIACEAE) EXTRACTS

Authors

  • A. O. Ayoka
  • R. O. Akomolafe
  • E. O. Iwalewa
  • Otas E. Ukponmwan

Keywords:

Spondias mombin, neurological, muricidal, swimming despair, GABA receptor antagonist.

Abstract

Spondias mombin L [Anacardiaceae] is a plant used by traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria in the treatment of various nervous disorders. In this study, the anxiolytic properties of the aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of the leaves were examined using aggressive-behaviour response and depression-related swimming behaviour activities. All the extracts administered orally were not toxic to mice up to a dose of 5 g/kg. On intraperitoneal injection, however, the LD50 values [mice/rats] were calculated to be 0.48 g/kg / 0.62 g/kg for ethanol extract, 1.10 g/kg / 1.08 g/kg for methanol extract and 1.36 g/kg / 1.42 g/kg for aqueous extract respectively. All residues from different extractions were dissolved in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally. It was found that the three extracts abolished the aggressive attacks by rats, and reduced swimming time in mice. These effects were found to be most potent with the administration of the ethanol extract. These effects of the extracts were blocked by flumazenil, an antagonist of GABAA receptor. The results suggest that the extracts of Spondias mombin possess anxiolytic effect mediated by GABAergic transmission.

Author Biographies

A. O. Ayoka

Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

R. O. Akomolafe

Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

E. O. Iwalewa

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

Otas E. Ukponmwan

Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

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Published

2006-01-07

How to Cite

Ayoka, A. O., Akomolafe, R. O., Iwalewa, E. O., & Ukponmwan, O. E. (2006). STUDIES ON THE ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN L. (ANACARDIACEAE) EXTRACTS. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2(2), 153 –. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/48

Issue

Section

Research Papers

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