Abstract
The traditional therapeutic indications for the use of Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) have been investigated. The lyophilised aqueous extract of roots of
M. citrifolia was evaluated for analgesic and behavioural effects in mice. The extract did not
exhibit any toxic effects but did show a significant, dose-related, central analgesic
activity in the writhing and hotplate tests; this effect was confirmed by the antagonistic
action of naloxone. Furthermore, administration of M. citrifolia extract at high dosages decreased all behavioural parameters in the two compartment
test, the light/dark choice situation test, and the staircase test; together with
the induced sleeping time, these results are suggestive of sedative properties.
Key words
Morinda citrifolia
- analgesic activity - sedative effects - behavioural effects
