LAUSR

HIGHLIGHTSMethanol stem bark extract of Ficus platyphylla (FP) did not interfere with the acquisition or consolidation of the active avoidance reaction.FP affected the retrieval of the active avoidance reaction.FP dose‐dependently induced hypothermia.FP‐induced hypothermia could be reversed by administering amphetamine.FP contains psychoactive principles with potential antipsychotic properties. ABSTRACT Preparations of Ficus platyphylla are used in Nigeria's folk medicine to manage a variety of diseases, including insomnia, psychoses, depression, epilepsy, pain, and inflammation. In this study, we examined the effects of the standardised methanol extract of F. platyphylla stem bark (FP) on two‐way active avoidance learning and body core temperature to complement earlier studies on the neuroleptic potential of this medicinal plant, which is already in common use. The extract did not interfere with the acquisition and consolidation of the conditioned avoidance reaction (CAR), but did diminish the retrieval of CAR. The extract dose‐dependently reduced body core temperature; this was significantly ameliorated by the use of amphetamine. The results confirmed the neuroleptic‐like efficacy of FP, probably via the modulation of dopaminergic neurons.