Neuropharmacological Evaluation of the Methanolic Extract of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. Flower in Mice

In the present study, effects of the methanolic extract of Couroupita guianensis (Family: Lecythidaceae) were studied on spontaneous motor activity, rota-rod performance and Phenobarbital sleeping time in mice. Preliminary phytochemicals analysis of extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids. The extract (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) in dose dependent manner showed a significant reduction in spontaneous motor activity but had no effect on motor coordination as determined by the performance on rotarod. These extracts also produced reduction of the onset and duration of pentobarbitone induced hypnosis. These results suggest that the extract contained an agent with its activity on both central and peripheral nervous system and the plant should be studied for neuropharmacological effects.