Study of Antidepressant and Sedative-HypnoticActivity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Asperugo procumbens L. Aerial Parts in Mice

Asperugo procumbens L. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the refreshing, tranquillizing and mood elevating activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic potential of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant in mice. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil on the hypnotic activity of the extracts were evaluated. None of the doses of the extract could significantly reduce immobility time in comparison with control group in antidepressant tests. In hypnotic test, 250 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly increased pentobarbital-induced sleeping time compared to vehicle. All of the doses of the extract significantly reduced the latency to sleep in comparison to the vehicle. Flumazenil reversed the augment effects of extracts in pentobarbital-induced hypnotic test. The results of the present study indicate the low antidepressant and good sedative-hypnotic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Asperugo procumbens aerial parts in mice. Central benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the sedative-hypnotic effects of this plant.