Neuropharmacology of an Extract derived from Convolvulus microphyllus

Abstract

Neuropharmacological activities of the methanol extract of the whole plant of Shankhapushpi, Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb ex Spreng (Convolvulaceae), were studied in experimental animals. The extract was found to produce alterations in the general behaviour pattern, reduction in spontaneous motor activity, hypothermia, potentiation of pentobarbitone-sleeping time, reduction in exploratory behavioural pattern, and suppression of aggressive behaviour. The extract also showed an inhibitory effect on conditioned avoidance response and antagonism to amphetamine toxicity. These findings explicitly suggest that the whole plant extract of C. microphyllus possesses a potential CNS-depressant activity.