Phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-stress and cerebroprotective activity of ethanolic extract of stem of Sarcostemma acidum

Abstract

The current study was designed to assess the phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-stress and cerebroprotective activities of ethanolic extract of stem of Sarcostemma acidum (EESA). The stem of Sarcostemma acidum was collected and extracted with 70% ethanol. The ethanolic extract was subjected to phytochemical screening (Chemical and HPTLC), antioxidant (in-vitro), anti-stress (Mice model) and cerebroprotective activities (Cerebral ischemia model). EESA showed presence of flavonoids as primary phytoconstituents. EESA significantly reduced the immobility period in tail suspension trial and swimming endurance trial. EESA significantly reduced the TBARS levels (21.45±0.56; p<0.01) and augmented tissue antioxidants in cerebral ischemia model. The levels of MOA-A were reduced in the EESA treated animals (54.1±0.2; p<0.001) and cortisol levels also reduced in EESA treated animals (45.1±1.6; p<0.001). Histopathology also supported the biochemical parameters. The EESA effect was compared with reference standard diazepam and Ashwagandha. EESA showed significant antioxidant, anti-stress and cerebroprotective activities and the protective effect might be due to presence of flavonoids as phytoconstituents.