G. Hemalatha

Baliospermum montanum, Euphorbiace family commonly known as Danti in Ayurveda is of therapeutic significance and is utilized traditionally for the treatment of various ailments. The plant’s roots are considered as laxatives, anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, rube facient, febrifuge and tonic. On preliminary basis neuropharmacological profile of ethanolic extract of roots of Baliospermum montanum was assessed for Locomotor activity using Actophotometer, muscle relaxant activity using Rota-rod Apparatus, pentobarbital-induced hypnosis and Anticonvulsant activity by Maximal electroshock test was performed. Ethanolic extract of Baliospermum montanum roots decreased the motor activity and showed significant muscle relaxation along with potentiation of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time and decreased the duration of tonic hind leg extension of seizures activity. The results conclude that the extract has significant central nervous system depressant activity. Further investigations are, however, necessary to explore mechanism(s) of action involved in these pharmacological activities.