Effect of Zizyphus spina-christi Willd aqueous extract on the central nervous system in mice

The effects of the aqueous extract of Zizypus spina-christi Willd root bark against exploratory behaviour, spontaneous motor activity (SMA), motor coordination (Rota-rod performance) and pentobarbital-induced hypnosis were investigated in mice. The extract induced a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in exploratory behaviour and SMA when administered orally. It also prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time but failed to inhibit motor coordination (rota-rod performance) in the experimental mice. These results suggest that the extract contained some constituents that depress the central nervous system, which may not be due to neuromuscular blockade. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.