Article · Volume 1, Issue 6 · pp. 336–341
Bioactivity-Directed Separation of an Anxiolytic Fraction from Aethusa cynapium L.
Shri Richa1, Singh Manjeet1, Sharma Anupam2
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala
- 2Pharmacognosy Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Abstract
The present study evaluated the putative anxiolytic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts of the aerial parts of Aethusa cynapium using the widely accepted elevated plus-maze (EPM) model in mice. The bioactive fraction was isolated by bioactivity-directed fractionation, and two chromatographic procedures - column and flash chromatography. Fraction 3.1.3.2 derived from the methanol extract of the plant, showed significant anxiolytic activity at a dose of 50 mg/kg p.o. which was comparable to the standard drug, diazepam (2 mg/kg p.o.). This sub fraction comprised two components as seen in the TLC profile. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of unsaturated fatty acid in Fraction 3.1.3.2. The study demonstrates that A.cynapium has significant anti anxiety activity. This activity may be due to fatty acids present in the bioactive fraction.
Keywords: Aethusa cynapium, L; Anxiolytic effect; Elevated plus-maze model; column and flash chromatography
The full text of this article is available as a PDF. Open the PDF.