Exploratory behaviour of male rats treated with a crude extract of Ficus tsiela leaves

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