Anti-cataleptic, skeletal muscle relaxant and cognitive properties of the ethanol extract of Lophira alata Banks ex C.F. Gaertn. (Ochnaceae) stem bark in mice

Lophira alata is a perennial tree which grows in many parts of sub-Saharan and East Africa and is used in Ethnomedicine for a wide range of disorders including insomnia, algesia, psychosis and memory enhancement. Phytochemical screening was carried out and acute toxicity of ethanol stem bark extract of L. alata was determined. The central nervous system modulating activities of Lophira alata stem bark extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, per oral) were evaluated via haloperidol and morphine induced catalepsy, rotarod performance test, diazepam induced sleep, the novel object recognition and Y-maze tests. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins; the LD50 of L. alata was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. L. alata significantly (p<0.05) attenuated catalepsy in a non-dose dependent manner, decreased latency time on the rotarod (all dose levels), did not reduce onset of sleeping time nor increase duration of sleep. L. alata also significantly (p<0.05) increased time spent with the novel object (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and increased percentage spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test (800 mg/kg). L. alata possess CNS activity which may account for its use in ethnomedicine for management of psychosis and cognitive enhancement.