Central depressant effects of reticuline extracted from Ocotea duckei in rats and mice.

Neuropharmacological studies were carried out with reticuline, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, isolated from Ocotea duckei Vattimo. It was found that reticuline (50-100 mg/kg i.p.) produced alteration of behaviour pattern, prolongation of pentobarbital-induced sleep, reduction in motor coordination and D-amphetamine-induced hypermotility and suppression of the conditioned avoidance response. These observations suggest that reticuline possesses potent central nervous system depressant action.