ANTI-COMPULSIVE EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Steudnera colocasiifolia K. KOCH LEAVES ON MARBLE-BURYING BEHAVIOR IN MICE

Objective: The present study was to evaluate the anti-compulsive effect of ethanol extract of Steudnera colocasiifolia K. Koch leaves. Methods: The experiment was conducted in specific animal models of Swiss albino mice to evaluate marble-burying behavior. Results: Oral administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg of ethanol extract of S. colocasiifolia (EESC) significantly (P<0.01-0.05) decreased the total number of buried marbles. The effect was comparable to that of the Imipramine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg). Imipramine hydrochloride and EESC do not produce any overt motor dysfunction. Conclusions: The results of the study for the first time show that the plant possesses anticompulsive activity. Future research should focus on the identification and the mechanism of action of the constituents from this plant.