ASSESSMENT OF SOME NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF METHANOL SEED EXTRACT OF HUNTERIA UMBELLATA IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS

This study evaluated the anxiolytic, sedative, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant effects of the methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata in mice using established experimental models, including the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Hole-board test, Rota-rod test, Forced Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), Maximal Electroshock (MES)-induced convulsion, Strychnine-induced convulsion, Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion, and Phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time. Seeds were collected, dried, powdered, and extracted by Soxhlet maceration in methanol to obtain the crude extract. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, the extract increased the duration of time spent in the open arms of the EPM, though not significantly, while at 1000 mg/kg it significantly (p < 0.001) reduced exploratory behavior in the Hole-board test, similar to the standard drug diazepam. No effect was observed on motor coordination in the Rota-rod test. In the FST and TST, the extract produced no significant changes in immobility or mobility duration compared to controls. The extract failed to protect against MES-induced seizures. In the Strychnine model, it slightly delayed seizure onset and prolonged convulsion duration but offered no protection against mortality. In PTZ-induced convulsions, 20% protection (1/4) was observed at 250 and 500 mg/kg, with a shortened onset and duration of seizures. At 1000 mg/kg, seizure duration increased, and all animals (4/4) died. In summary, H. umbellata seed extract demonstrated mild anxiolytic and antidepressant tendencies, with limited anticonvulsant effects. These findings partially support its traditional use in managing neuropsychiatric disorders. Further studies are required to isolate active constituents and elucidate underlying mechanisms of action.