Phytochemical a D Pharmacological Studies O the Leaves of Couroupita Guia E Sis Aubl

Present work focused on carrying out the phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the leaves of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. Fractionation of petroleum ether extract of these leaves yielded three compounds. Compound 1, m.p. 79-81°C was identified as aliphatic hydrocarbon, while compound 2, m.p. 95-97°C was obtained in small yields and further work was not possible. Interestingly, compound 3, m.p. 273-75°C appeared to be a triterpene alcohol, according to its physicochemical and spectral data. Its lipid solubility and complex structure prompted us to undertake psychopharmacological studies in mice. Behavioral studies of compound 3 (1, 2.5, 5 mg/kg) using tail suspension test and despair swim test, suggested its potential antidepressant activity. The result of these tests revealed that efficacy of compound 3 at all doses was comparable to the standard antidepressant drug, imipramine (25 mg/kg). In conclusion, phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the leaves of Couroupita guianensis resulted in the isolation of compound 3, possessing antidepressant potential.