Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of Catha edulis Leaves on the Electrical Activity of Some Brain Centers of Male Rabbits

Catha edulis is an evergreen tree with psychotropic effects. The present work was conducted to evaluate the possible effects of the ethanolic extracts of Catha edulis leaves (ECE) on the electrical activity of 4 areas in the brain of male rabbits. Forty male rabbits weighting 2200-2500 g were divided into 4 groups. The electrical activity of motor, somato&ndash;sensory, occipital, and auditory areas were measured after 60, 120 and 180 min of intraperitoneal administration of doses of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g of Catha edulis leaves in 10 % ethanolic extract, using electroencephalography. Results showed that ECE had a significant (P< 0.001) pathological effects on the electrical activity of the studied areas of the brain, except the auditory area. Further cellular and molecular studies should reveal the mechanism of action of Catha edulis in the brain.