Neurophysiological effects of an extract of Eschscholzia californica cham.(Papaveraceae)

An aqueous alcohol extract of Eschscholzia californica (Ec) has been evalua ted for benzodiazepine, neuroleptic, antidepressant, antihistaminic and ana lgesic properties, in order to complete the study of the sedative and anxio lytic effects previously demonstrated. The plant extract did not protect mice against the convulsant effects of pe ntylenetetrazol, and did not cause muscle relaxant effects but appeared to possess an affinity for the benzodiazepine receptor: thus, flumazenil, an a ntagonist of these receptors, suppressed the sedative and anxiolytic effect s of the extract. The Ec extract induced peripheral analgesic effects in mi ce but did not possess antidepressant, neuroleptic or antihistaminic effect s.