Central Nervous System Activity Studies of Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R. Vent. Roots

Abstract

The present investigations were undertaken with a view to evaluate Baptisia tinctoria roots (Wild Indigo; family – Fabaceae) systematically for neuropharmacological activities. The methanol extract (ME) of plant was prepared by extracting properly identified plant in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol, after defatting with n -hexane. Acute toxicity studies revealed that ME is safe for acute administration. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ME showed presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, coumarins and tannins as major classes of phytoconstituents. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was prepared by fractionating crude ME using standardized procedure, which showed presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and triterpenoids. ME (400 mg/kg) and EAF (106 mg/kg) produced significant antistress activity in similar manner as exhibited by the standard drug. The ME and EAF exhibited mild antianxiety activity, and were found to be devoid of anticonvulsant, sedative and analgesic activities.