Objective: The objective of the present study was to perform phytochemical screening & to carry out a comparative study on aqueous and ethanolic extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber on CNS activity in swiss albino mice.
Methods: A. paeoniifolius tuber was collected, shed dried and powdered. Extracts of the powder were prepared separately using ethanol & water. Phytochemical screening was also done from the extract. The animals were divided in six groups. Group 1 received DMSO solution (Control). Group 2 animals received Diazepam (1.5mg/kg, Standard). Group 3 and 4 received A. paeoniifolius aqueous extract (200mg/kg , 400mg/kg respectively). Group 5 and 6 received A. paeoniifolius ethanolic extract (200mg/kg , 400mg/kg respectively). In vivo CNS activities of the extracts were checked by actophotometer, rotarod, forced swim test.
Results: The extracts show presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, reducing sugar, carbohydrate, tannin. The aqueous & ethanolic extract of A. paeoniifolius tuber showed significant decrease in locomotor activity when compared to control. Among the extracts the 400mg/kg ethanolic extract shows maximum CNS depression. All the extracts showed significant muscle relaxant similar to the standard drug. The extracts also exhibited significant increase in immobility time in a dose dependent manner in forced swim test.
Conclusion: The aqueous & ethanolic extract of A. paeoniifolius tuber (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg) shows significant CNS depressant and muscles relaxant and anxiolytic properties
