CNS Depressant Effect of Crude Ethanolic Extract of Flowers of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. in Swiss-albino Mice

Crude ethanolic extract of flowers of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Family: Lecythidaceae) was evaluated for central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects using a number of neuropharmacological experimental models in Swissalbino mice. The extract produced a dose-dependent reduction of the onset and duration of pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, reduction of locomotor and exploratory activities in the open field and hole cross studies. Further, at the same dose level the extract inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing in mice in dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the extract possess CNS depressant activity, which support the traditional uses of Couroupita guianensis.