Evaluation of the acute toxicity, analgesic and CNS activities of different species of Teucrium genus

Methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of the leaves and stems of four Teucrium species ( T. cartaginenses, T. flavum, T. pumillum and T. buxifolium ) have been tested for their toxicity, analgesic and central depressor effects. The intraperitoneal administration of the different extracts showed a CNS depressant activity in mice, but they lacked anticonvulsive effects. When tested for analgesic activity none of the extracts increased the threshold of pain thermal stimulus. However, the methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of T. cartaginenses and T. buxifolium species showed a significant analgesic effect in models of pain induced by chemical or mechanical stimulation.