SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AN ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF TREMA-GUINEENSIS ON THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM IN RODENTS

The present study investigates some neuropharmacological effects of an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Trema guineensis (Ulmaceae), a medicinal plant of central Africa. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract induced hypothermia. In addition, the extract significantly shortened the latency to sleep and prolonged the duration of sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital in mice. Moreover, T. guineensis significantly delayed the onset of clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in mice. In contrast, T. guineensis did not affect convulsions induced by maximal electroshock and picrotoxin in mice nor status epilepticus produced by pilocarpine and kainic acid in rats.