Sedative-hypnotic activity of extracts and essential oil of coriander seeds
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Abstract
Abstract
Background: Coriandrum sativum L. has been recommended
for relief of insomnia in Iranian traditional medicine.
However, no pharmacological studies have yet evaluated
its sedative effects. The aim of this study was to determine
if extracts and essential oil of coriander seeds have
sedative-hypnotic activity.
Methods: The aqueous or hydro-alcoholic extracts or essential
oil of coriander seeds (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) were
intraperitoneally administered to male albino mice, 30 minutes
before pentobarbital injection (40 mg/kg). Latency to sleep
and sleep duration were recorded.
Results: Aqueous extract prolonged pentobarbital-induced
sleeping time at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg. Hydro-alcoholic
extract at doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg increased pentobarbitalinduced
sleeping time compared to saline-treated group. The
essential oil increased pentobarbital-induced sleeping time
only at 600 mg/kg.
Conclusion: The extracts and essential oil of coriander
seeds possess sedative-hypnotic activity. However, it is
strongly suggested that the major active component(s) responsible
for the hypnotic effect is mainly present in the
aqueous extract