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Abstract

In the present study, we investigated neurobehavioral activity of ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Derris trifoliata (Lour.) in mice as a part of a psychopharmacological screening of this plant. The effects of the plant extract on CNS were studied by using potentiation of phenobarbitoneinduced sleeping time and exploratory behavior in mice. The crude extract (500 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P<0.001) potentiated onset of sleep and prolonged the total sleeping time in mice. In tests for exploratory behavior, the plant extract (1000 mg/kg body weight) showed significant effect on ambulation and emotional defecation and also in the open field score in case of staying in single area. The overall results suggest that the ethanol extract of D. trifoliata contains some active principles which may be CNS depressant in nature.