Sedative Effect of Walnut Leaf Extract and Juglone, an Isolated Constituent

Sedative activity of Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) chloroform extract and of one of its isolated constituents was evaluated in mice. Dry chloroform extract and juglone, orally administered at 6.5 mg/kg and 0.125 mg/kg, respectively, induced marked sedation as measured by two tests (actimeter and sleep potentiation), compared with controls (diazepam, 2 mg/kg, per os). A separation method of juglone from chloroform extract was developed.