Abstract:
Indigofera tinctoria Linn. (Family: Fabaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments
including nervous disorders. In homoeopathy too, I. tinctoria is used in the treatment of epilepsy and
other nervous disorders, but no data has been scientifically documented to establish its central nervous
system activities. In the present preliminary study, the different potencies (3x, 6x, 12x and 30c) of I.
tinctoria administered at a dose of 0.5 ml/rat/day were evaluated for their analgesic (hot plate, ice
plate and Randall -Selitto tests) and behavioural (rota rod and open field tests) activities. The results
revealed that all the four potencies of I. tinctoria had increased the latency time required to raise
and to lick the fore or hind paw for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on ice
plate test. They had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanical induced pain
on Randall -Selitto test but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activities. The observed
activities suggest that the homoeopathic formulations of I. tinctoria possess CNS depressant property.
However, further studies are required for a definitive conclusion.
