Bioactive Constituents and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Cassia Sieberiana DC (FABACEAE) In Murine Models

Background: Cassia sieberiana DC (Fabaceae) is used claimed to be used traditionally in the treatment of several central nervous system disease. This study investigated the chemical composition of Cassia sieberiana leaf extract as well as its oral acute toxicity, anticonvulsant and antidepressant effects in mice models.

Methods: Cassia sieberiana leaves were collected, dried and powdered. Extraction was done by maceration in methanol to yield the whole extract. The percentage yield of the extract was calculated, chemical composition was evaluated using GCMS analysis and oral acute toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant studies were carried out using standard methods at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally.

Results: Oral acute toxicity studies recorded no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. The percentage yield of the plant extract was 7.35%. The extracts at 400 mg/kg significantly increased the latency (p < 0.05) strychnine-induced convulsion but failed to protect the mice from mortality. The extract significantly (P< 0.05) increased the latency to convulsion but did not offer protection at the doses evaluated. The extract did not protect the mice from MES-induced convulsion at the doses evaluated. Doses evaluated did not significantly increase the duration of mobility in the forced swim and tail suspension test. The extract also did not alter motor coordination in mice.