The main clinical signs observed in the poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia are intention tremors and incoordination. The aim of this study was to determine if I. asarifolia is tremorgenic for mice and its effect on equilibrium, coordination and muscle strength. Three groups Swiss male mice received ration containing 0, 20% and 30% of dry I. asarifolia for 30 days. On day 0 and every five days feed and water intake and the weight of the animals were measured. At the same time the animals were tested for equilibrium, coordination and muscle strength on the elevated bar, wire suspension and rota-rod. Changes in balance and motor coordination were observed in the elevated bar and the rota-rod, suggesting that the plant affects the central nervous system. However, muscle tremors were not observed.
Ipomoea asarifolia; toxic plants; equilibrium; motor coordination
