PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS

Abstract

Pharmacological investigations with the water soluble portion of 90 % ethanol extract of the fruits of Elaeocarpus ganitrus showed the presence of a prominent central nervous system depressant effect, characterised by typical behavioural actions, potentiation of h'exobarbitone hypnosis and morphine analgesia, anticonvulsant and anti-amphetamine effects. In addition the extract showed a cardiostimulant, depressor, smooth muscle relaxant and hydrocholeretic activities, part of these being mediated through beta adrenoreceptor stimulation and in part through a direct musculotropic effect. The pharmacological profile of activity of the extract substantiates the use of the plant fruits in the treatment of mental diseases, epilepsy, hypertension, asthma and liver diseases in the ancient Indian systems of medicine.