Comparative Study Of Sedative And Biochemical Effect Of Rauwolfia Vomitoria Afzel And Diazepam On White Albino Rats:- Nwankwo, David I.

ABSTRACT xi ' Rauwoljia vomitoria is a natural medicinal herb which has been used over the years for the treatment of various diseases including hypertension, insomnia, mental disorder and high blood pressure. A comparative study of sedative and biochemical effect of R. vomitoria and diazepam on the white albino rats. 25 adult male white rats weighing between 220 mg and 250 mg were used for this study. They were divided into five groups A, B, C, D and E offive rats each. Group B, C and D where the experimental rates while group A and E are the controls. Oral dose of 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg of R. vomitoria extract was administered to the rats in group B, C and D respectively while group A receive Diazepam 3mg/kg, and group E normal. The sedative test where carried out using Tunnel walk, method, backward reversal test and thiopenton induced sleeping time. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in tunnel walk time among the R. vomitoria groups with ‘D’ having the highest increase. The thiopenton sleeping time shows a ■ reduction in time of sleep in Group B, C and D when compared to the controls. The various biochemical test carried out shows no negative effect on the liver and kidney function. This study suggest that rauwolfia vomitoria is safe when use as a sedative.