[Pharmacological and chemical evaluation of stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae)].

After intraperitoneal administration of gradual aqueous doses obtained from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves, the following effects were observed in rats: a reduction of motor activity and the alarm reaction, ataxia, sedation, analgesia, anesthesia, ptosis, piloerection, head tremors and a significant reduction of body temperature of about 8.4 degrees C. Robichaud's sign was present, probably due to some muscular relaxation. There were appreciable changes on respiration, with increment on amplitudes and reduction on the frequency, followed by apnea and the death of the animals, probably due to asphysia. Iridoid ipolamiide and the phenylpropanoid glycoside, verbascoside, were identified from the same extracts. Both metabolites have been indicated with potential pharmaceuticals properties in accord with ethnobotanical value attributed to this plant.