PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ZIZYPHUS SEEDS

Abstract

Pharmacological properties of fractions obtained from Zizyphus seeds were estimated by a screening method consisting of 5 tests: 1) neuropharmacological observations in mice, 2) tests on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in the rat, 3) tests on the isolated guinea pig ileum, 4) potentiation of hexobarbital anaesthesia, and 5) inhibition of writhing syndrome induced by acetic acid. Z. No. 2, Z. No. 3 and Z. No. 5 were confirmed to have sedative activity as a result of tests I and IV, and were estimated to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties from test V. Z. No. 5a was determined to have the strongest activities. The arterial blood pressure showed a prolonged elevation by fat and oil fractions, which was not eliminated by Phentolamine and hexamethonium. Water soluble fractions showed a transient hypotension, which was partially eliminated by atropine but not by diphenhydamine and propranolol. Increase of the contraction induced by nicotine could be seen in all fractions. Increase of the contraction induced by serotonin could be seen in fat and oil fractions. Water soluble fractions showed cholinergic activity. Papa-verine-like activity was noted in Z. No. 3.