Neuropharmacological Effect of the Rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia in Mice

The neuropharmacological effect of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of ethanol extract of the rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia J. Smith were studied in mice by intraperitoneal administration. The tests used were determination of effect on duration of diazepam-induced sleep, determination of effect on nikethamide-induced toxicity, light-dark test and force swimming test. The duration of diazepam-induced sleep was extended by administration of these fractions. Nikethamide at high dose cause death of mice and time to cause death of mice was delayed by administration of these fractions. In light-dark test and force swimming test these fractions were given diazepam type effect. The changes in doses (50-200 mg/kg) showed changes in efficiency of these effects. These results suggest that both these fractions of D. quercifolia rhizome have dose dependent depressant effect.