Dracocephalum moldavica aqueous extract induces sedation and general CNS inhibition in mice
The aqueous extract of Dracocephalum moldavica prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, induced sedation in the hole-board test, decreased spontaneous activity, and impaired motor coordination in mice. The LD50 was 470 mg/kg body weight, and the main compounds were acacetin, apigenin, and luteolin-7-O-β-D-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside derivatives.
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Dracocephalum moldavica aqueous extract induces sedation and general CNS inhibition in mice The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 24/100 (low).
The Claim
Dracocephalum moldavica aqueous extract induces sedation and general CNS inhibition in mice
This conclusion is most relevant to: Mice (laboratory animals).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Neuropharmacological study of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Lamiaceae) in mice: sedative effect and chemical analysis of an aqueous extract. (Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2012) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Extract contains flavonoid glycosides (acacetin, apigenin, luteolin derivatives)
- ▸These compounds likely modulate GABAergic or other inhibitory neurotransmitter systems
- ▸Result: Prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep, reduced locomotion and exploration
- ▸Result: General CNS depression without anxiolytic or antidepressant effects
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Mice (laboratory animals)
Recommended Dose
LD50 = 470 mg/kg body weight
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Study conducted only in mice, not in humans
- ▸No specific mechanism of action was identified (e.g., receptor binding assays)
- ▸Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were not observed, limiting therapeutic scope
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dracocephalum moldavica used for traditionally?▼
It is used in Mexican traditional medicine as a tranquilizer and for relief of nervous conditions.
Did the extract show anxiolytic or antidepressant effects?▼
No, the extract did not show anxiolytic effects in the avoidance exploratory behavior test or hole-board test, and it was not effective in the forced swimming test for antidepressant-like effects.
What were the main chemical compounds identified in the extract?▼
The main compounds were acacetin, apigenin, and luteolin-7-O-β-D-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside derivatives, as determined by HPLC-ESI-MS.
What was the acute toxicity of the extract?▼
The LD50 was 470 mg/kg body weight, indicating moderate toxicity in mice.
References
- 1.Martínez-Vázquez M, Estrada-Reyes R, Martínez-Laurrabaquio A, López-Rubalcava C, Heinze G. “Neuropharmacological study of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Lamiaceae) in mice: sedative effect and chemical analysis of an aqueous extract..” Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2012. PMID: 22469767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.028