Studies on some psychopharmacological activities of Ocimum sanctum root extract

T he petroleum ether (60-80°C) ex tract of OcilllulIl sanCIUln root was tested fo r pentobarbitone induced hypnosis in mice. The root extract or vehicle was admi nistered (i.p. ) and after 30 minutes pentobarbito ne sodium (35 mg/kg) was admini stered. The explo ratory behavi our like Water Maze Test was studi ed by imparting training to mice ill a rec tangular tank ha ving holes to escape, fill ed with water and the number of mi stakes were recorded . T he ext rac t was found to produce a significant alteration in general behavi oural pattern by Water Maze Test. Besides thi s the ex tract also potentiated the pentobarbitone induced hypnos is in mice. The potentiatio n o f pentobarbitone sodium induced hypnosis and reducti on of mi stakes to escape by Water Maze Tes t indicates that the extract may have some CNS depressant as we ll as tranquilizing acti vity.