Neurophysiological Effects of Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae)

✍ Scribed by M. C. Lanhers; J. Fleurentin; P. Dorfman; R. Misslin; F. Mortier

• Book ID: 102659200
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 731 KB
• Volume: 10
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0951-418X
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(199612)10:8<670::aid-ptr934>3.0.co;2-6

✦ Synopsis

A lyophilized aqueous extract of Euphorbiu hirta L. (Eh) has been evaluated for benzodiazepine-like properties and for hypnotic, neuroleptic and antidepressant properties, in order to complete the study of dose-dependent sedative and analgesic effects previously demonstrated. The plant extract did not protect mice against the convulsant effects of pentylenetetrazol, it did not cause muscle relaxant effects and it did not seem to possess any affinity for benzodiazepine receptors. In addition, Eh did not have its own hypnotic effects in mice, but it intensified those of barbiturates, and caused a direct action on the central nervous system. This aqueous extract did not possess neuroleptic activity, but slight antidepressant effects were obtained against reserpine-induced ptosis and oxotremorine-induced hypothermia.