Continued research on traditional herbal drugs has become important than ever due to their increasing use and demand as food supplements and nutraceuticals. The standardized extract of Centella asiatia (L.) Urban (Apiaceae), commonly known as Gotu kola, was evaluated for neuropharmacological, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Neuropharmacological activities were performed on specifically design apparatus, whereas anti-inflammatory test was carried out by 2% formalin in right hind paw of mice and analgesic effect was observed by 1% acetic acid induced writhing test. During central nervous system (CNS) activities (open field, cage cross, head dip, rearing, traction, light and dark test), the extract exhibited marked CNS depressive effect at 300 mg/kg dose. The results were compared with reference drug diazepam 2 mg/kg. C. asiatica extract (300 mg/kg) produced significant anti-inflammatory response in 2nd phase of formalin induced inflammation (61.12%; p ≤ 0.05). It also reduced no. of writhes up to 40.10% (500 mg/kg). Our findings support the respective traditional use of C. asiatica to treat painful and inflammatory conditions along with its supportive sedative and CNS depressant and muscle relaxant effect.

 

Key words: Centella asiatica, CNS depressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory.