Some pharmacological effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Annona diversifolia on the central nervous system in mice

In the present study we investigated some neuropharmacological effects of t he ethanol extract of the leaves of Annona diversifolia (Annonaceae). Intra peritoneal administration of the extract delayed the onset of clonic seizur es induced by pentylenetetrazole and delayed the time in the 'rota-rod' and 'swimming' test. In addition, the extract augmented the duration of sleepi ng time induced by sodium pentobarbital. These results indicate that the et hanol extract of the leaves of A. diversifolia has depressant activity on t he central nervous system. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.