Sedative actions of Ternstroemia sylvatica in the male rat

Ternstroemia sylvatica is a plant reputed popularly to possess a anxiolytic properties but has not yet been systematically tested for such activity. T he behavioral actions of T. sylvatica were examined using the open field te st, the elevated plus-maze test, and the forced swim test in male rats. T. sylvatica (7.1 mg/kg and 14.2 mg/kg, I.P.) reduced ambulatory behavior in t he open field test and cancelled the anti-immobility actions produced by de sipramine (32 mg/kg, I.P) in the forced swim test, as did diazepam. In the elevated plus-maze test, T. sylvatica (7.1 mg/kg, I.P.) failed to show anxi olytic actions. It is concluded that Ternstroemia sylvatica produces sedati ve effects rather than the attributed anxiolytic actions.