The effect of a methanol extract, obtained from the roots of Ocimum sanctum
, on mouse swimming performance were studied using three different doses. O
n the basis of our findings, a high dose (400 mg/kg, i.p.) of the extracts
of Ocimum sanctum increased the swimming time suggesting a central nervous
system stimulant and/or antistress activity. The effect produced by the ext
ract was comparable to that of desipramine, an antidepressant drug. Copyrig
ht (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.