Neuropharmacological effects of methanolic extracts of Rubus fruticosus L.

Aim: To investigate methanol extracts of various parts of Rubus fruticosus L. (Rosaceae) for various neuropharmacological activities, such as anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, antidepressant, and sedative activities. Materials and methods: The extracts were administered to albino mice orally at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg. The antidepressant activity was determined by using the forced swimming test, while line crossing in a special box was used for assessment of locomotor activity. Results: All extracts were found to be anxiolytic in nature, while no muscle relaxing activity or sedative effect was observed. The order of central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect for various parts of R. fruticosus was fruit > root > leaves > stem. Conclusion: Our results indicate that methanolic extract of various parts of R. fruticosus possess anxiolytic and CNS depressant effects but do not possess significant sedative or muscle relaxing potential.