Abstract:The impact of sedative-hypnotic effects of aqueous extract of Ziziphora tenuior Linn. on the immune function in mice was investigated in this study. The effects of the aqueous extract of Z. tenuior on spontaneous activity, dormancy-number, and dormancy-time of mice induced by pentobarbital sodium were observed and compared with that in the physiological saline-treated groups. Further, the thymus index, spleen index, activities of ACP and LYZ, and the concentration of IgG in the sera of mice treated with three doses of the aqueous extract of Z. tenuior were determined. For acute toxicity tests, the aqueous extracts were orally administered. The results showed that in the medium- and high-dose groups for the aqueous extract of Z. tenuior, spontaneous activity was significantly inhibited, and both dormancy-number and -time were significantly increased in the mice induced by pentobarbital sodium, when compared with those in the physiological saline-treated groups. Moreover, these effects were dose-dependent. The three doses of the aqueous extract of Z. tenuior also significantly increased the thymus index, spleen index, activities of ACP and LYZ, and the concentration of IgG in the mice sera. The aqueous extract of Z. tenuior was nontoxic, and showed a large safety range. The results indicated that the aqueous extract of Z. tenuior had obvious sedative and hypnotic effects in mice, and there was a synergistic effect between the extracts and pentobarbital sodium, which could significantly strengthen immune function in mice.
