Abstract

CNS stimulant effect of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Kigelia africana was studied in mice using the barbiturate induced sleeping time and the Rota rod bar to check the extract’s effect on muscle coordination. The results showed that the extract at all doses tested reduced the duration of sleeping time when compared to the control group that received distilled water. This difference in sleeping time was significant (p<0.0001 at all doses tested) and this was also found to be dose dependent. Its effect was also compared with caffeine (a known stimulant) and the extract gave a shorter duration of sleeping time compared to caffeine, (p<0.05 at 400 mg/kg dose) indicating better stimulant properties. In comparison with diazepam the extract at all doses tested, also gave a shorter duration of sleep (p<0.0001). On the Rota rod, the extract had no sedative effect as the animals maintained their balance on the rod through the entire period of the experiment.

Key words: Kigelia africana, barbiturate induced sleeping time, motor coordination