Maceration, phytochemical screening, and in vivo neuro-pharmacological evaluations of Rynchotechum Ellipticum acetone fraction in Swiss albino mice

Rhynchotechum ellipticum, locally known as Cheodhima, Paicha, or Sattari, is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the neuropharmacological effects of R. ellipticum leaf and stem extracts in Swiss albino mice. In the thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time test, mice received different doses of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight, while 50 and 125 mg/kg body weight were used in other examinations. In trials examining the effects of thiopental sodium on sleep, administration of the extracts caused a marked reduction in the amount of time spent sleeping and the time needed to fall asleep (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001). Additionally, at doses of 50 and 125 mg/kg, a significant decrease in unrestricted movement and exploratory behavior was observed in both the hole-crossing and open-field tests (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001). The hole-board test also decreased the frequency of head dips at doses of 50 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.001). Both extracts demonstrated superior neuropharmacological properties at a dose of 125 mL/kg. The leaf and stem extracts of R. ellipticum have potent anti-depressant and hypnotic effects on the central nervous system, and could be utilized in neuropharmacology as an additional therapy. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.