Central Nervous System Activity of Argyreia speciosa

Argyreia speciosa (AS), a long woody climber is commonly known as Vryddhadaru in Sanskrit. It is distributed throughout India upto altitude of 300 m. It is scientifically documented for its antiinflammatory, antiarthritic, immunomodulatory, antistress and aphrodiasiac activities. The ischolar_mains and seeds are used as restorative in various nervous system disorders. The ischolar_mains are also reported to possess nootropic, antimicrobial, diuretic properties and used in chronic peptic ulcer, gonorrhoea and rheumatism. In the present study the central nervous system (CNS) activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Argyreia speciosa ischolar_mains at different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) was studied using various standard paradigms. The results revealed that the Argyreia speciosa extract significantly increased discrimination index in object recognition test, reduced 5HTP induced head twiches, potentiated haloperidol induced catalepsy, delayed the onset of pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions and antagonised amphetamine induced motor hyperactivity.