Abstract

Background: Hibiscus rosa sinensis which belongs to family Malvaceae is traditionally used in various diseases due to its medicinal properties. Most of the uses were studied in detail by many researchers, but the studies evaluating the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of H. rosa sinensis leaves are limited.

Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of the methanolic extract of H. rosa sinensis leaves (MEHRL) in albino rats.

Materials and Methods: MEHRL was prepared and tested for skeletal muscle relaxant activity in albino rats weighing 200–250 g. The animals were divided into four different groups. Group I (control) received normal saline 10 ml/kg, Group II (standard) received diazepam 10 mg/kg, and Groups III and IV received MEHRL 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Skeletal muscle relaxant activity (motor coordination) on rotarod and locomotor activity on photoactometer was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using analysis of variance, followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison tests.

Results: The results from the actophotometer and rotarod test showed that MEHRL significantly reduced the motor coordination and locomotor activity of tested animal.

Conclusion: MEHRL showed significant dose-dependent skeletal muscle relaxant activity.

Key words: Actophotometer; Hibiscus rosa sinensis; Rotarod; Skeletal Muscle Relaxant