Hypnotic effects of total aqueous extracts of Vervain hastata (Verbenaceae) in rats

The in vivo sedative property of the total aqueous extract of the aerial portion of Vervain hastata (Verbenaceae) (TAEV) was studied in male rats to establish its scientific basis in herbal medicine. The investigation was conducted using electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis, and the barbituric–hypnos...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences 2002-06, Vol.56 (3), p.309-310
Main Authors: AKANMU, MOSES A., HONDA, KAZUKI, INOUÉ, SHOJIRO
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Herbal Medicine
Hypnotics and Sedatives - administration & dosage
Male
non‐rapid eye movement sleep
rapid eye movement sleep
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
sedative
Sleep, REM - drug effects
Verbenaceae - drug effects
Vervain extract
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Summary:The in vivo sedative property of the total aqueous extract of the aerial portion of Vervain hastata (Verbenaceae) (TAEV) was studied in male rats to establish its scientific basis in herbal medicine. The investigation was conducted using electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis, and the barbituric–hypnosis test. The results showed that TAEV potentiated the pentobarbital‐induced hypnosis significantly by reducing sleep latency and increased sleeping time in a dose‐dependent manner that was reversed by flumazenil. The EEG data demonstrated that extract administration augmented total sleep time, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non‐REM sleep at the expense of wakefulness. The study’s results clearly showed the scientific validity for the use of this plant as a sedative and possibly as a nerve tonic substance.
ISSN:1323-1316
1440-1819
DOI:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2002.01009.x