Abstract:
In Sri Lanka, herbal treatment is still widely
used to suppress aggressive behaviour in elephants (Elephas
maximus maximus). According to the mahouts at Pinnawala
Elephant Orphanage and the National Zoological Gardens at
Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, three types of plants are commonly
used for this purpose: rhizomes of Bambusa vulgaris, aerial
parts of Tciracera sarmeniosa and leaves or Ficus tsiela Roxb
(Family: Moraceae).
We initiated a programme of research to evaluate the
sedative potential of these materials (using crude extracts).
Among other effects, sedation is one possible mechanism for
the suppression of aggressive behaviour in musth. Previous
results with two of these plants, Tetracera sarmentosa and
Bambusa vulgaris, have been reported [1, 2].
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sedative potential
of leaves Ficus tsiela, the third variety that is claimed to
suppress :iggressive behaviour in musth
