Pharmacological Activities of Leaves Extract of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae)

Ethanolic extract of leaves of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) was tested for CNS activity like anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant activity. The extract of leaves of Calotropis procera orally in experimental animals at the dose level of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight. The anticonvulsant properties were studied on maximal electroshock test (MES) strychnine and PTZ-induced seizures model. Sedative property studied using actophotometer and skeletal muscle relaxant property studied using rotarod. C. procera ethanolic extract protected rats against maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures. But had no or a moderate effect only against strychnine and PTZ-induced seizures. There was a decrease in the locomotor activity. The fall off time (motor coordination) was also decreased. NO mortality was seen upto the dose of 2 g/kg. With these effects, the leaves of C. procera possess anticonvulsant, sedative and muscle relaxant effect that might explain its use as a traditional medicine.