Excitatory Effect of Urtica dioica on Locomotor Behaviour of Mice Using the Open Field Maze Task

Introduction: It is generally believed that the presence of some neuroactive phytochemicals such as acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, tannins etc. in Urtica dioica may yet possess the key to the management of certain neurological and behavioral conditions at an easily accessible and affordable rates. The growing acceptance of alternative medicine in Nigeria and the world at large has necessitated this research work so as to ensure that the general/consuming public is properly guided.

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of administration of Urtica dioica on locomotor behavior. The amount of Urtica dioica reaching the Central Nervous System (CNS) is affected by the extent to which it is converted/stimulates any of the excitatory agents like acetylcholine in the periphery.

Methods: A total of 30 apparently healthy Swiss male albino mice weighing 20-25g were used in the study. After the 14 days of acclimatization, the mice were randomly separated into three (3) groups of ten (10) animals each and were housed in separate cages. The amice in group one (1) serves as the control for the research work and were given water and normal animal feed. Group two (2) of the mice were given feed mixed 400mg/kg of the extract while group three (3) mice were given feed mixed with 800 mg/kg of the extract. The open field maze was employed for the evaluation of locomotor behavior while the extracts were mixed with the animals’ feed. So, the extracts were administered to the mice orally. The extracts were administered for a duration of 28days (4 weeks).

Results: The frequency of rearing in the open field was significantly increased in the Urtica dioica fed group compared to control (p<0.05). There is also a significant increase in the frequency of Line Crosses, Centre Square Entry and Rearing in the test groups compared to control (p<0.01). At a higher dosage, the Frequency and Duration of Grooming significantly increased (p<0.05). The Frequency of Defecation also significantly increased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These results indicate that repeated administration of Urtica dioica enhances locomotory behavior in mice.