NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF FLOWERS OF NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TIRSTIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ANTI-ANXIETY & ANTI DEPRESSANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

Aim- The present study was designed to evaluate the neuropharmacological activity of ethanolic extracts of flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis with special reference to anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in experimental animal models. Material & Methods- The flowers were successively extracted using different solvents, and the ethanolic extract was selected for pharmacological evaluation based on phytochemical constituents. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids. Acute toxicity studies performed according to OECD guidelines demonstrated the safety of the extract up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Neuropharmacological evaluation was carried out using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Forced Swim Test (FST) in Wistar albino rats. The ethanolic extract was administered orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, while diazepam and imipramine were used as standard drugs for anxiolytic and antidepressant studies, respectively. Results- In the Elevated Plus Maze model, the extract did not produce significant anxiolytic activity as compared to the control group. However, in the Forced Swim Test, the extract significantly reduced immobility time in a dose-dependent manner, indicating marked antidepressant activity comparable to imipramine. Biochemical investigations demonstrated significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity along with reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, suggesting attenuation of oxidative stress. Furthermore, treatment with the ethanolic extract significantly increased antioxidant enzyme levels such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while glutathione peroxidase activity showed minimal changes. The findings suggest that the antidepressant and neuroprotective effects of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis may be mediated through cholinergic modulation and antioxidant mechanisms. Conclusion- In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers possesses significant antidepressant and neuroprotective activity with potential memory-enhancing properties, although no appreciable anxiolytic effect was observed