Central and Cardiovascular Effects of the Alcoholic Extract of the Leaves of Carica papaya

Abstract

The central effects of an alcoholic extract of Carica papaya leaf were investigated in male rats. The extract (≥ 10 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) induced a dose-dependent sedative effect. The extract (≥ 5 mg kg, i.p.) also induced central muscle relaxation. The behavioral effects of the extract were associated with an initial desynchronization of the electroencephalogram (EEG) and an increased activity of the electromyogram (EMG). This was followed by a deactivating pattern in the optic chiasma while the EMG activity was diminished. The extract at doses ≥50 mg kg⁻¹ (i.p.) completely protected the rats against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, while doses of 5 mg kg⁻¹ (i.p.) gave 50% protection. The extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg kg⁻¹ (i.p.) also gave 100% protection against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions.