Evaluation of neuropharmacological activities of methanolic extract of Cucumis sativus

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate neuropharmacological activities of the methanolic extract of Cucumis sativus Linn (Cucurbitaceae). The effect of Cucumis sativus methanolic extracts effect on CNS in mice, a number of methods namely thiopental sodium-induced hypnosis, open field and hole cross were adopted. The most important step in evaluating drug action on the CNS is to observe the behavior of the test animals. Substances that have CNS depressant activity either decrease the time for onset of sleep or prolong the duration of sleep or both. Another important step in evaluating drug action on CNS is to observe its effect on locomotors activity of the animal. Methanolic extract of Cucumis sativus has significant CNS depressant activity on experimental animal models. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine.