Central nervous system effects of civet

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Ethnobotany
• Animal Science

Background:

• The Malabar civet cat (Moschothera civettina blyth) produces a perineal gland secretion known as civet.
• Traditional uses and pharmacological properties of animal secretions are areas of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pharmacological activities of civet from the Malabar civet cat.
• To evaluate its effects on central nervous system (CNS) related activities and toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Civet was administered orally (p.o.) to mice and rats in doses ranging from 100 to 800 mg/kg.
• Evaluated activities included potentiation of pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, analgesia, anticonvulsant effects, hypothermic and antipyretic activities.
• Neurobehavioral tests like the rota-rod test, amphetamine toxicity, and conditioned avoidance response were also performed.
• Acute toxicity studies were conducted to determine safety.

Main Results:

• Civet significantly potentiated pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, exhibited mild analgesic and anticonvulsant activities.
• It was devoid of hypothermic effects in mice and antipyretic activity in febrile rats.
• No effects were observed in the rota-rod test, on amphetamine toxicity, or in conditioned avoidance response.
• No toxic manifestations or mortality were observed in acute toxicity studies up to 800 mg/kg orally.

Conclusions:

• Civet possesses CNS-modulating properties, specifically enhancing hypnotic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant effects.
• The secretion appears safe at tested oral doses and lacks thermoregulatory or certain neurobehavioral impacts.
• Further research into the active compounds and mechanisms of action is warranted.