Muscle Relaxant Properties of Aqueous Extract of Lippia multiflora

Abstract

Aqueous leaf extracts of Lippia multiflora administered intraperitoneally produced a profound calming effect, muscle relaxing action, and significant reduction in the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice measured in the Ugo Basile activity cage. The extract (0.25-1.0 g kg^-1) reduced amphetamine induced locomotor activity in mice. The extract (0.5-1.0 mg ml^-1) inhibited contractions of the isolated rat diaphragm in response to the phrenic nerve stimulation. The muscle relaxant effect was considered to be primarily responsible for the calming effect, bordering on tranquilizing activity observed in mice and rats.