Sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects of Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) in mice and rats

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Viscum album L. is claimed in traditional medical practice, to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy and insomnia in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Materials and methods: The effect of Viscum album L. on epilepsy, psychosis and sedative activity was evaluated in mice and rats using standard procedure.

Results: The aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album L. prolonged the pentobarbital induced sleeping time and reduced the locomotor activity in actophotometer. This suggests that reduced locomotor activity facilitate GABAergic transmission. In addition the extract reduced MES, INH and PTZ-induced convulsions which suggest that there may be possibility of blocking Na(+) channels, opening of Cl(-) channels or enhancing the GABAergic system. The extract decreased the apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and potentiates the HAL-induced cataleptic score which suggests the extract possess antidopaminergic activity.

Conclusion: The results obtained in present study suggested that title plant exhibited sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic activity in mice and rats.