ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the hydro-methanol leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum (family: Crassulaceae) in some neurobehaviours in mice weighing between 25-30g at doses of 25, 50 and 100mg/kg. The parameters evaluated were the hole board test for explorative activity, beam-walking assay for motor coordination deficit, diazepam-induced sleeping time and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion. The results revealed that the extract showed a statistical significant (p<0.05) increase in the number of foot slips and beam latency at 25 and 50mg/kg. It also showed a decrease in head dips but was not significant. It also revealed a statistical significant (p<0.05) decrease in the onset of sleep and a statistical significant (p<0.05) prolongation of sleep time in a dose dependent manner. The extract also showed a biphasic activity by delaying the onset of convulsion and increasing protection at the doses of 25 and 100mg/kg in mice. The LD50 of the extract was calculated to be 400mg/kg. These results showed that the extract possesses some central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity which may be due to the effect or activity of one or more of the phytochemicals present in the plant.