Neurosedative and muscle relaxant activities of aqueous extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum.

The saline leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum was investigated on neuropharmacological activities to ascertain claims of local use. When tested in mice, it produced a dose-dependent prolongation of onset and duration of pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, reduction of exploratory activities in the head-dip and evasion tests. Moreover, a dose-dependent muscle in-coordination was observed in the inclined screen, traction and climbing tests. It delayed onset to convulsion in both strychnine- and picrotoxin-induced seizures in addition to minimal protection against picrotoxin seizures.