Abstract
Introduction: The ability of naturally occurring carotenoid pigments of Fieberiella florii (Cicadellidae, Hemiptera), a privet leafhopper, and its
phytoconstituents were assessed.
Methods: Thus, the neuromuscular potentials of F. florii Aqueous Extract (FFAE) were investigated in mice and Chickens.
Results: FFAE contains higher alkaloids and tannin than phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, phlebotanins and saponin. Also in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-
hydrazyl, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant power demonstrated efficacies between 25 ?g
to 100 ?g respectively. Vitamin A and carotenoid levels were 61.21 ± 1.83 and 146.11 ± 2.05 mg/100 g respectively. Validated pharmacologic
models including traction, climbing and inclined plane tests were used to assess neuromuscular effects. FFAE oral gavage in mice up to 2 g/kg
was non-lethal while median lethal dose in mice was 446.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally. FFAE increased (P<0>
and showed competitive depolarizing actions at 10 mg/kg in mice. In contrast to suxamethonium, FFAE-induced flaccid paralysis was qualitatively
similar to that obtained after pancuronium administration. A co-administration of FFAE potentiated the actions of neuromuscular drugs. Bioactive
compounds present in FFAE included linoleoyl chloride, n-hexadecanoic acid, palmitin, 1,2-di-,2-aminoethyl hydrogen phosphate and methyl esters
of lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid.
Conclusion: Overall, these present novel experimental findings suggest FFAE as a potential neuromuscular agent.
