Assessment of neuropharmacological activities of Pandanus foetidus (Pandanaceae) in mice.

The methanol extract of the leaves of Pandanus foetidus Roxb. (Pandanaceae) was assessed for neuropharmacological activities in mice using a number of experimental models. The extract dose-dependently inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing in mice when given at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. At the same dose levels, it significantly prolonged the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice, and showed mild to moderate central nervous system depressant activity when assessed by the hole cross and the open field tests in mice model. On the basis of these findings, it can be assumed that the extract exerts its depressant effect on the central nervous system in mice by interfering with the cortical function.