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[P117]: Acute toxicity studies and some pharmacological properties of stachyphata indica
Author(s) -
Otimenyin S.O.,
Uguru M.O.,
Ojeka K.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2006.09.179
Subject(s) - citation , library science , computer science
The aqueous extract of the whole plant of Stachytarpheta indica was studied for the possible presence of analgesic constituents to rationalize its traditional use in the relief of pain and headache. The crude extract caused a concentration-dependent (2000 and 3000 mg/kg) analgesic and anti inflammatory effect in writhing reflex and egg white induced inflammatory models, but was ineffective in hot plate pain model signifying that it has no effect on centrally induce pain. The phyto-chemical analysis revealed that this medicinal plant contains flavoniods, steroids, tannin, cardiac glycoside, carbohydrate, alkaloids, saponins, etc. Acute toxicity studies using ip route revealed that the aqueous extract of S. indica is very toxic (LD50 < 0.020 g/kg), but when administered orally, the animals survived a very high dose of 10 g/kg. This showed that the plant, which is known as Brazilian tea, is safe for oral consumption. Further studies showed that the plant shortens onset of phenobarbitone-induced sleep, and prolong sleeping time in Wistar rats but it does not induce nor cause drowsiness in normal Wistar rats. The results of this study support its use as a medicinal plant for the relief of pain in patients with malaria. Also its use as tea or as an adulterant in tea may be supported by the fact that the plant is very safe for oral consumption.