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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.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Neuropharmacological study of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Lamiaceae) in mice: sedative effect and chemical analysis of an aqueous extract.

observational

Martínez-Vázquez M, Estrada-Reyes R, Martínez-Laurrabaquio A, López-Rubalcava C, Heinze G · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2012)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Aqueous extract of Dracocephalum moldavica aerial parts administered to mice
Outcome: Sedation (pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, hole-board test), spontaneous activity (open field test), motor coordination (Rota-rod test), anxiety (avoidance exploratory behavior test), depression (forced swimming test), acute toxicity (LD50)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Mice (laboratory animals)

Result:

PubMed: 22469767DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.028

Mechanism Graph

DM extract contains flavonoid glycosides (acacetin, apigenin, luteolin derivatives)
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These compounds likely interact with GABAergic or other CNS receptors
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Resulting in prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep and reduced motor activity
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Result: General CNS depression and sedation

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.