Parry O, Okwuasaba F K, Ejike C
Department of Pharmacology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1987 May;19(3):247-53. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(87)90002-x.
The aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea produced skeletal muscle relaxation in rats following i.p. or oral administration, as assessed by the prolongation of pull-up time. The i.p. route of administration was more effective. When compared with chlordiazepoxide (20 mg/kg, i.p.), diazepam (40 mg/kg, i.p.) and dantrolene sodium (30 mg/kg, oral), the extract (200-1000 mg/kg, i.p.) proved a more effective skeletal muscle relaxant. With 1000 mg/kg i.p., 80% lethality was seen. The LD50 in an acute toxicity test in mice was 1040 mg/kg i.p.
