Neuropharmacological study of Moringa olifera

Objective: Moringa olifera is a medicinal plant widely used in many parts of the world for hypertension, pain and epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of M. olifera aqueous leaf, root and steam extract on neurobehavioral activities of healthy mice.
Method: Male mice were randomly divided into a control group (given 0.9% NaCl orally) and three groups treated with the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days. Neuropharmacological activity were evaluated by neuro-muscular coordination (rota rod treadmill), pain (hot plate and acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction). Administration of M. olifera extract had a significant and dose dependent antinociceptive action in both thermal and chemical tests (p < 0.05). The extract (400 mg/kg) caused a reduction in exploration activity and neuromuscular coordination, and decreased the mobility time in the FST, suggesting an antidepressant-like action. Motor activity was not significantly affected by any of the doses used.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the plant aqueous extract may have a dose-dependent central nervous system (CNS) depressant action.