Evaluation of Sedative and Hypnotic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Plumeria obtusa Flowers in Experimental Mice

The current study aimed to assess the sedative and hypnotic effects of the ethanolic extract of Plumeria obtusa flowers (POEE) in mice using the hole board test and potentiation of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test model. The extract’s effects on sedative and hypnotic-related behaviors were evaluated by counting the number of head dips in the hole board test after being given at two doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. The duration of sleep and its initiation were noted in the potentiation of the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test. In the hole board test, POEE-treated animals significantly reduced the number of head dips when compared to control mice, suggesting sedative action. Similarly, POEE administration produced a longer duration of sleep action in the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test potentiation, confirming its hypnotic potential. The 200 mg/kg dose was more effective than the 100 mg/kg dose, and the effects were dose-dependent. These findings strongly suggest that Plumeria obtusa flower ethanolic extract effectively induces sedative and hypnotic-related behaviors in experimental mice, indicating that it may be used to treat sleep-related disorders.