Behavioral effects of euphorbia hirta l.: sedative and anxiolytic properties

Potential Applications of Euphorbia hirta in Pharmacology

“…Sedative properties of aqueous extract of E. hirta have been confirmed at high dose (100 mg of dried plant/kg) by showing a decrease of behavioral parameters measured in non-familiar environment tests (activitest and staircase test). For anti-conflict effects appeared at lower doses (12.5 and 25 mg of dried plant/kg) by revealing an enhancement of behavioral parameters measured in the staircase test and in the light/dark choice situation test (Lanhers et al, 1990). Anxiolytic property of E. hirta was also demonstrated in chronically stressed rats subjected to EPM and OFT (Anuradha et al, 2008).…”

Pharmacology and therapeutic potential of Euphorbia hirta (Syn: Euphorbia pilulifera)- A review

“…Euphorbia hirta caused sedative effects when used in high doses (100 mg of dried plant/kg, and more), manifested by a decrease of behavioral parameters measured by non-familiar environment tests (activitest and staircase test), whereas anticonflict effects appeared at lower doses (12.5 and 25 mg of dried plant/kg), by an enhancement of behavioral parameters measured in the staircase test and in the light/dark choice situation test [86]. Aqueous extract of the whole plant was tested for sedative and anxiolytic effects in mice.…”

Herbal Remedies to Treat Anxiety Disorders

“…In similar lines, our previous work demonstrated that Euphorbia hirta (Eh) reverses chronic immobilization stress-induced anxiety behavior in elevated plus maze and open field test. Extracts of Eh Linn have been found to possess central analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its central antidepressant, sedative and anxiolytic effects (Lanhers et al, 1990;Lanhers et al, 1991;Johnson et al, 1999). The anxiolytic activity of this drug has been established in mice subjected to two-compartment, staircase and light/dark choice situation tests (Lanhers et al, 1990).…”

“…Extracts of Eh Linn have been found to possess central analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its central antidepressant, sedative and anxiolytic effects (Lanhers et al, 1990;Lanhers et al, 1991;Johnson et al, 1999). The anxiolytic activity of this drug has been established in mice subjected to two-compartment, staircase and light/dark choice situation tests (Lanhers et al, 1990). Euphorbia hirta produces its anxiolytic effect in an animal model of chronic stress through GABA A receptor-benzodiazepine receptor-Cl  channel complex.…”