l Article Screening of Some Herbal Medicines for Psychopharmacological Activity

Abstract

Objectives: In our present study, we evaluate the effectiveness of these drugs as Psychotropic agents and accessed 
by biochemical-parameters. 
Study Design: Experimental and Observational Study.  
Place and Duration of Study: This Study was conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi 
from Jan 2009 to June 2009.  
Materials and Methods: Study on Mice [Part-A]: Rats (weighing 180-250g) and Mice (22-32g) either sex were 
used in this study.  One group was kept as control for both drugs. Mice were kept under room temperature. Part B: 
Study on Rats: The effect of herbal medicine and homeopathic drugs are investigated on psychotrophic parameters 
of rats. Doses were given according to the body weight of rats. 
Results: Screening of herbal medicine as psychotropic drugs has strong modulating effect on brain and behavior. 
Majority of Pakistani population lives in far-flung rural area where modern medicines are not easily available, so 
they rely on traditional herbal medicines for relief. This signifies the importance of Eastern system of medicine in 
our society and stresses the need of research on herbal medicines like. Some of the herbal drug Reserpine, Nux- 
Vomica, Anacardium and Chlorpromazine with a wide range of pharmacological actions. Among these, Strychnos 
Nux-Vomica has strong action on cholinergic system, CNS activity and observed as a antispasmodic. Rauwolfia 
serpentine is an active alkaloid particularly present in reserpine are used to treat essential hypertension and in certain 
neuropsychiatry disorders. It has a sedative and tranquilizing effects, as it depletes catecholamine from the central 
nervous system. 
Conclusion: Keeping in view, the medicinal importance of these herbs, our present study was designed to screen 
these herbs as for CNS activity on Albino mice and rats.