抄録
As part of the search for new sources of mental health supplements, alcohol extracts of 11 Bangladeshi medicinal fruits and plants were investigated for neuropharmacological effects in mice and on ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA receptors). The extracts of S. caseolaris, T. bellirica, S. cumini, and T. arjuna significantly potentiated the GABA-induced response of GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes, though the extracts alone induced no response. In mice, administration of these extracts prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Potentiation of GABAA receptor response reportedly generates anxiolytic, sedative, sleep-inducing and anesthetic activities in the human brain. Thus, these extracts may have potential regarding the development of a supplement with tranquilizing and sleepinducing effects that is beneficial for mental health.