PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF CASSIA SOPHERA, LINN. VAR. PURPUREA, ROXB

Ethanol extract of seed of Cassia sophera, Linn. var. purpurea, Roxb. was studied for some pharmacological activities in rats. Eddy s hot plate and Analgesiometer tests were used to asses antinociceptive activity of Cassia sophera. Pentobarbitone narcosis potentiation test was used to evaluate hypnotic and sedative effect, while anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by Maximum electroshock-induced seizure test and Pentylenetetrazol induced seizure test. Test drug (440 mg/kg) produced significant analgesia, potentiated the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time and exhibited anticonvulsant effect against hind limb tonic extension phase of maximum electroshock- induced seizure test and seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol. The preliminary screening of seed extract of Cassia sophera, Linn. var. purpurea, Roxb. exhibited anal- gesic, anticonvulsant effects and potentiated pentobarbitone sleeping time. The ethanol extract of seed of Cassia sophera, Linn. var. purpurea, Roxb. deserve further investigation for elucidation of the mechanisms of action.