Neuropharmacological Studies on Mikania cordata Root Extract

Abstract

Neuropharmacological studies have been conducted with the methanolic fraction of the root extract of Mikania cordata (Burm) B. L. Robinson on experimental animals. It was found to produce alteration in the general behaviour pattern, reduction in spontaneous motility, hypothermia, potentiation of pentobarbitone-sleeping time, analgesia, reduction in exploratory behaviour pattern, and suppression of aggressive behaviour. The extract also caused suppression of conditioned avoidance response and showed antagonism to amphetamine toxicity. The observations suggest that the root of M. cordata possesses a potent CNS-depressant action.