Abstract

CABRERA SUAREZ, Hiran  and  NUNEZ FIGUEREDO, Yanier. Sedative effect of cycloartanol triterpene obtained from Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. leaves. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2010, vol.15, n.3, pp. 96-104. ISSN 1028-4796.

INTRODUCTION: Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. (known as ítamo real) is a widely distributed plant in Cuba and at the same time a sustainable source of active principles. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the neurosedative effect of cycloartanol triterpene from dichlorometane extract obtained from Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. leaves. METHODS: models based on exploratory behaviour, barbiturate-induced sleep, pentilenotetrazol-induced seizures and amphetamine-induced stereotyped behaviours were used. Cyclocartanol was orally administered 30 minutes before every test. RESULTS: exploratory behaviour was inhibited at over 50 mg/kg dose; amphetamine-induced stereotyped behaviours were inhibited at 200 mg/kg dose; thiopental-induced sleep was potentiated at over 50 mg/kg dose, however, protection against pentilenotetrazole-induced seizures was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: the results of several tests indicate a depressing effect on the central nervous system of laboratory animal treated with Cycloartanal; however, the sedative effect does not seem to be mediated by the GABAergic system. Anti-depressive effects were not observed either.

Keywords : cycloartanol; Pedilanthus tithymaloides; sedative; triterpene; itamo real; dichlorometane extract; medicinal plants; phytopharmacology; natural products.

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