Dracocephalum moldavica aqueous extract induces sedative effects and general CNS inhibition in mice
The aqueous extract of Dracocephalum moldavica (DM) prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, induced sedation in the hole-board test, decreased spontaneous activity in the open field test, and impaired motor coordination in the Rota-rod test in mice. The LD50 was 470 mg/kg body weight, and the main compounds identified were acacetin, apigenin, and luteolin-7-O-β-D-(6″-O-malonyl)-glucoside derivatives.
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Dracocephalum moldavica aqueous extract induces sedative effects 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 sedative effects and general CNS inhibition in mice
This conclusion is most relevant to: Mice (strain not specified in abstract).
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:
- ▸DM extract contains flavonoid glycosides (acacetin, apigenin, luteolin derivatives)
- ▸These compounds likely interact with GABAergic or other CNS receptors
- ▸Resulting in prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep and reduced motor activity
- ▸Result: General CNS depression and sedation
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Mice (strain not specified in abstract)
Recommended Dose
LD50 = 470 mg/kg body weight (single dose); specific sedative doses not reported in abstract
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Animal study; results may not directly translate to humans
- ▸No specific dose-response data for sedative effects reported in abstract
- ▸Mechanism of action not directly tested (only behavioral and chemical analysis)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dracocephalum moldavica used for in traditional medicine?▼
It is used as a tranquilizer and for relief of nervous conditions in Mexican traditional medicine.
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 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.
What was the acute toxicity of the extract?▼
The LD50 was 470 mg/kg body weight in mice, indicating moderate toxicity at higher doses.
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