[Pharmacological studies of Centranthus ruber]

The authors carried out pharmacologic studies on the valepotriate component-valtrate, isolated from the plant Centranthus ruber, for its central depressive action. The data from the conducted studies showed that the valtrate possessed neurotropic activity, characteristic of psycholeptic (anxiolytic) properties. The orientation reflexes and motor activity were much manifestly inhibited, when specific tests for central depressive action were used. The convulsive effects of pentetrazol and the excitation effects of morphine and to less degree of amphetamine were antagonized. Hexobarbital narcosis was enhanced. The examined substance could be included in the group of psycholeptics and more exactly in the group of anxiolyitics.