Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse.

Full Abstract

A lyophilised hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) has been evaluated for behavioral effects in mice. According to the traditional use of M. officinalis, sedative properties have been confirmed for low doses by the decrease of behavioral parameters measured in a non-familiar environment test (staircase test) and in a familiar environment test (two compartment test). With high doses, a peripheral analgesic activity was obtained by reducing the acetic acid-induced pain (writhing test); moreover, the plant extract induced the sleep in mice after treatment with an infrahypnotic dose of pentobarbital and potentialised the sleep induced by a hypnotic dose of pentobarbital.

Author information

Author/s: Soulimani, R (R); Fleurentin, J (J); Mortier, F (F); Misslin, R (R); Derrieu, G (G); Pelt, J M (JM);

Affiliation: Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie, Université de Metz, France.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Planta medica (Planta Med), published in GERMANY. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1991-Apr; vol 57 (issue 2) : pp 105-9

Dates: Created 1991/10/16; Completed 1991/10/16; Revised 2003/11/14;

PMID: 1891490, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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