Phytochemical Investigation and Assessment of the CNS Stimulant Potential of the Ethanolic Extract of Cassia auriculata Flowers in Swiss Albino Mice
Bolla Lavanya
Department of Pharmacology, A. K. R. G. College of Pharmacy, Nallajerla, Andhra Pradesh – 534112, India.
Bhupendra S. Ahirrao
Department of Pharmaceutics, Sandip Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik, Maharashtra - 422213, India.
Sai Krishna Nallajerla
Department of Pharmacology, A. K. R. G. College of Pharmacy, Nallajerla, Andhra Pradesh – 534112, India.
P SS Prasanna Kumar
Department of Pharmaceutics, A. K. R. G. College of Pharmacy, Nallajerla, Andhra Pradesh-534112, India.
Appala Anjali
Department of Pharmaceutics, A. K. R. G. College of Pharmacy, Nallajerla, Andhra Pradesh-534112, India.
Srinivas Nandyala
*
Department of Pharmacology, Sandip Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik, Maharashtra - 422213, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Cassia auriculata L. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments and is known to contain diverse bioactive phytoconstituents. However, its central nervous system (CNS) stimulant potential has received limited scientific attention.
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and to evaluate the CNS stimulant activity of the ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata flowers in Swiss albino mice.
Methods: Dried flowers were extracted using ethanol in a Soxhlet apparatus and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 423. CNS stimulant activity was assessed using digital actophotometer, Rotarod, and open-field tests. Mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): vehicle control, caffeine (20 mg/kg), and ethanolic extract-treated groups (200 and 400 mg/kg). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test.
Results: The extract yielded 5.14% (w/w) and contained alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, proteins, amino acids, and carbohydrates. No mortality or treatment-related toxicity was observed at 2000 mg/kg. The extract significantly increased spontaneous locomotor activity, prolonged rotarod retention time, enhanced line crossings and rearing behaviour, and reduced immobility time in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The 400 mg/kg dose produced effects comparable to those of caffeine.
Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata flowers exhibited significant CNS stimulant activity with a favourable acute safety profile. These findings suggest that the plant is a promising source of naturally occurring neuroactive compounds and that further phytochemical isolation and mechanistic investigations are warranted.
Keywords: Cassia auriculata, central nervous system stimulation, ethanolic flower extract, phytochemical screening, Swiss albino mice, spontaneous locomotor activity, Rotarod performance, open-field test, acute oral toxicity, caffeine