In vivo Study on Depressant Effects and Muscle Coordination Activity of Galphimia glauca Stem Methanol Extract

BACKGROUND: Galphimia glauca is an evergreen shrub found across peninsular India, belonging to family Malpighiaceae. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the in vivo depressant effects and muscle coordination activity of G. glauca stem methanol extract (GGSME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stem methanol extract was administered in Swiss albino mice in 1 day to study the central nervous system (CNS) depressant and muscle coordination activity employing animal models such as sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep test, hole-board test, open field test, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions, picrotoxin-induced convulsions, grip strengthening test in mice, and Rota-rod test. RESULTS: The LD(50) of GGSME was found to be >2000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Mice treated with stem methanol extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w. doses extended the sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital (40 mg/kg. b.w., i.p.). The stem methanol extract at 400 mg/kg dose showed a significant (P ≤ 0.001) dose-dependent decrease in the number of rears and head dipping number in the hole-board test. The extract exhibited a significant (P ≤ 0.001) effect on the ambulatory behavior of mice in the open field test and also extended the onset of seizures induced by PTZ (90 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) and picrotoxin (10 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.). The extract also exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.001) effects on muscle coordination in rota-rod and grip strengthening test in mice. CONCLUSION: The study results conclude that the GGSME has a potential CNS depressant and muscle relaxant effects compared to the standard drugs. SUMMARY: Anxiety is implicated in the number of psychiatric disorders. In vivo depressant activity is studied employing animal models like Sodium pentobarbital-.induced sleep test, Hole-board test, Open field test, Pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions and Picrotoxin-induced convulsions tests. Muscle coordination activity is studied employing animal models like Grip strengthening test in mice and Rota-.rod test. The GABAergic system plays a significant role in CNS depressant and muscle relaxant effects. The study proves the traditional claims of the plant used in the treatment of phobia, panic, stress, anxiety and it is as well used in producing a calming effect on the nerves. [Image: see text] Abbreviations Used: WHO: World Health Organization; CNS: Central nervous system; GGSME: Galphimia glauca stem methanol extract; IAEC: Institutional Animal Ethics Committee; OECD: The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; PTZ: Pentylenetetrazole; REM: Rapid eye movement; GABA: γ-aminobutyric acid; AMPA: α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor; b.w: Body weight; i.p: Intraperitoneal; p.o: per oral