The methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus Linn. (MEHI) roots were evaluated for its psychopharmacological activities in several experimental models using Swiss albino mice and Spargue dawley rats. The MEHI was found to cause significant reduction in spontaneous activity, and decreases in exploratory behavioral profiles by the Y-maze and head dip test. It also showed reduction in muscle relaxant activity by rotarod; 30° inclined screen and traction tests, as well as significantly potentiated the phenobarbitone sodium induced sleeping time in the doses examined (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body wt.). All the results were compared with respective controls for the evaluation of significance. Keywords: Y-maze test, Head dip test, Relaxant activity, Traction tests, Tranquilizer, Hemidesmus indicus Linn., Medicinal plants, Ayurvedic medicine.
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