Anti‐depressant, cognitive, anxiolytic and anti‐convulsant evaluation of Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) stem bark in mice (LB629)

Background: Stem bark and leaves of Lophira alata (Family: Ochnaceae) have been used traditionally for their anti‐psychotic, anti‐convulsant, analgesic and sedative properties. Objective/Aim: The study was carried out to evaluate some neuropharmacological properties of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Lophira alata in animal models. Methods: Anxiolysis, depression, anti‐convulsion, memory and cognition were evaluated using animal models of these central nervous system indices. Results: Oral administration of Lophira alata extract (200‐800mg/kg) caused a significant (p<0.05) non‐dose dependent increase in the period of vigorous activity in both the forced swim and tail suspension tests. In the novel object recognition test, administration of the extract resulted in a positive discrimination index score; spontaneous alteration performance was slightly enhanced in the Y‐maze test. While significant decrease (p<0.05) in upwards climbs in the staircase test was recorded, number of head dips were not significantly reduced (p>0.05) in the hole board test. In the Pentylenetetrazole induced convulsion, a non‐dose dependent increase in onset of tonic‐clonic seizures and modest protection from death was recorded. These effects were comparable to standard drugs‐Imipramine, Diazepam, Scopolamine and Phenobarbitone. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the aqueous stem bark leaf extract of Lophira alata possesses neuropharmacological properties which may account for its use in Ethnomedicine. Grant Funding Source : Supported by personal funds