Abstract
The methanol extract of Actaea acuminata roots have beenpreviously reported to exhibit significant antianxiety, anticonvulsant andantidepressant activities. In present study fractionation of crude bioactivemethanol extract was carried out using different solvents employing standardprocedure. Various fractions were evaluated for antianxiety, anticonvulsantand antidepressant activities using elevated plus maze model (EPM), maximalelectroshock-induced convulsions model (MES) and forced / despair swim test(FST) respectively. Successive partitioning of bioactive methanol extract wasdone with ethyl acetate and 1-butanol. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF; 100mg/kg), 1-butanol fraction (BF; 25 mg/kg) and remaining methanol extract(RME; 70 mg/kg) were subjected to neuropharmacological activities. TheEAF significantly enhanced entries and average time spent in open arms;significantly decreased duration of MES-induced tonic extension phase andsignificantly decreased duration of immobility time of rats in comparisonto control. BF and RME did not exhibit any neuropharmacological activity.Qualitative chemical tests confirmed presence of alkaloids and polyphenolsin EAF. It is finally concluded that alkaloids and/or polyphenols are bioactiveconstituents of A. acuminata which are responsible for neuropharmacologicalactivities.
Highlights
Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology, ResearchIt has been estimated that mental disorders have increased enormously and accounted for about 14% of global burden of disease, and predicted to increase to about 15% by 2020 (Prince et al, 2007; Mcdaid et al, 2008)
Various fractions were evaluated for antianxiety, anticonvulsant and antidepressant activities using elevated plus maze model (EPM), maximal electroshock-induced convulsions model (MES) and forced / despair swim test (FST) respectively
It is concluded that alkaloids and/or polyphenols are bioactive constituents of A. acuminata which are responsible for neuropharmacological activities
Summary
It has been estimated that mental disorders have increased enormously and accounted for about 14% of global burden of disease, and predicted to increase to about 15% by 2020 (Prince et al, 2007; Mcdaid et al, 2008). D Kumar, S mental illness is more prevalent among US adults and estimated to be 4.5% (NIH, 2008). The annual cost of mental illness has been estimated to be US$79 billion in the US, and approximately US$63 billion results from the loss of productivity (Rockville, 1999). A large number of synthetic drugs are available in market to manage neuropsychiatric disorders but having drawback of severe side effects. Systematic and scientifically structured research is required on most of these plants. Commonly known as Himalayan Baneberry (family - Ranunculaceae) was shortlisted for present investigation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
