Evaluation of the Analgesic, Anti‐Cataleptic, Muscle Relaxant and Sedative Potential of The Ethanol Extract of Lophira alata Stem bark in Rodents

Background Lophira alata , a woody plant found in West and Central Africa is used in the treatment of several systemic disorders. This study was carried out to evaluate some neurobehavioural properties of Lophira alata in murine models of algesia, sedation and catalepsy. Method Stem bark of Lophira alata were obtained, identified, authenticated, dried and milled to fine powder. Extraction was done using ethanol; phytochemical screening and determination of the mean lethal dose were carried out. Analgesia was evaluated using the hot plate and acetic‐acid induced mouse writhing tests at graded doses of 200–800 mg/kg while haloperidol and reserpine induced catalepsy were carried out to determine anti‐cataleptic potential of Lophira alata . Muscle relaxant activity and sedative property were assayed via the rotarod and diazepam induced sleep tests respectively. Results Reduction in number of writhes in the acetic acid induced mouse writhing and increase in latency time on the hot plate were observed at dose levels of 800 mg/kg. Lophira alata at 400 and 800 mg/kg significantly reduced mean cataleptic score while no significant difference between control groups and Lophira alata treated animals were observed in the rotarod and diazepam induced sleep tests. Conclusion Lophira alata possesses anti‐cataleptic property and reduces algesia possibly via peripherally and centrally mediated mechanisms. Support or Funding Information No honorarium received