Phytochemical investigation and exploration of the central nervous system depressant activity of ethanolic extract of the flowers of Jasminum grandiflorum L. as folklore medicine in Swiss albino mice

Background: In Indian traditional medicine, the flowers of Jasminum grandiflorum L. (Oleaceae) are claimed to possess powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity. Despite these traditional claims, no in-depth scientific study has been performed on the CNS depressant activity of the flowers of J. grandiflorum. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the CNS depressant activity of an ethanolic extract of the flowers of J. grandiflorum in Swiss albino mice. Methods: Acute oral toxicity tests were done at doses of 550, 1750, and 5000 mg/kg. The extract was also subjected to phytochemical tests and TLC tests. The CNS depressant activity of the EEJG was evaluated by various models, such as the forced swimming test, tail suspension test, thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time test, locomotor activity test, and muscle co-ordination test, at two different doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) in Swiss albino mice. Diazepam (1 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. Results: In acute oral toxicity studies, the extract was found to be safe up to a dose level of 5000 mg/kg body weight. EEJG at both doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) showed significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) increase in immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test. In the thiopental-induced sleeping time test, EEJG at 1000 mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.05) effect on the onset of action time and also significantly (p<0.01) increase the duration of sleeping time. EEJG at 1000 mg/kg showed a significant (p<0.01) decrease in locomotor activity, and the EEJG at both doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) showed a significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) decreased in muscle co-ordination activity when compared to control group. Conclusions: The present study confirms the significant CNS depressant activity of the ethanolic extract of the flowers of J. grandiflorum, which may be due to flavonoids and steroids present in the extract as phytoconstituents confirmed by TLC. This study supports the plant's traditional use as a CNS depressant.