Phytochemical screening, cytotoxic and cns depressant activities of Holarrhena antidysenterica leaves and seeds

Methanolic extract of leaves and seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica was appraised individually to investigate the cytotoxic activity and CNS depressant activity of the leaf extract was observed adopting both open field test and hole cross test. Phytochemical screening with the leaf extract only, suggested the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and saponin. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay indicated significant cytotoxicity for both methanolic leaf and seed extract dissolved in DMSO (LC50 value 0.571 mu g/ml and 0.466 mu g/ml respectively) while LC50 value obtained by the standard, Vincristine Sulphate was 0.348 mu g/ml. Neuropharmacological experimental models in mice by hole cross and open field test indicated convincing CNS depressing activity of the leaf extract on Swiss albino mice at the dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight whereas positive control Diazepam was used at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight. The validation of anxiety was carried out by measuring external signs, through hole-cross tests. Dose dependant activity was also identified by all the performed pharmacological investigations. Thus, this plant shows potential for further studies in future drug investigations.