neuro-pharmacological effects of crinum zeylanicum in mice

objectives: the aim of present study was to evaluate some effects of crinum zeylanicum (c. zeylanicum) on central nervous system. materials and methods: c. zeylanicum methanolic bulb extract (250-1000 mg/kg orally), 2 mg chlorpromazine and 4 mg diazepam /kg body weight intraperitoneally respectively were tested in mice using irwin test, pentobarbitone-induced sleep test, spontaneous motor activity, apomorphine-induced stereotype behaviour, and rota-rod performance. results: the c. zeylanicum bulb extract significantly and dose-dependently decreased apomorphine-induced hyperactivity in mice (p<0.001). the irwin test revealed dose-dependent central depressant effect of the extract, shortened (p<0.05-0.01) the onset of sleep and prolonged the duration of sleep. the extract produced significant (p<0.05-0.001) and dose- dependent reduction in spontaneous motor activity and apomorphine-induced stereotype behaviours in mice. the extract had no effect on performance of mice on rotarod.   conclusion: the results suggest that the extract may possess sedative principles with potential neuroleptic properties.