Neuropharmacological Profile of Ethanolic Extract of Anacyclus Pyrethrum in Albino Wistar Rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate CNS activity of ethanolic extract of roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum that includes general behavior studies, sedative, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, nootropic activity and antidepressant studies in rats. The results reveal potential neuropharmacological activity of Anacyclus pyrethrum as nootropic and also having antidepressant property. Further neurochemical investigation can unravel the mechanism of action of plant drug with respect to nootropic and antidepressant activity. Preliminary investigation showed that ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum has significant neuropharmacological activity. INTRODUCTION: Herbal medicine emphasizes prevention of disease, rejuvenation of our body systems and it extends the life span and makes healthy life, balance and harmony . Medicinal herbs are indispensible part of traditional medicine practiced all over the world due to easy acess, low cost and ancestral experience. Anacyclus pyrethrum (AP), family Asteraceae is used in traditional system of medicine and it is regarded as a tonic to the nervous system . The roots contain anacyclin, pellitorine, hydrocarolin, inulin, traces of volatile oil and seasamin. Anacyclus pyrethrum is a perennial, procumbent herb, which is found throughout India. The plant roots are reported for anti-inflammatory , immunostimulating , anabolic, aphrodisiac activities . However, no investigation reports exist pertaining to central nervous system activity, hence we decided to study in experimental animal models, the neuropharmacological effects of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root that includes general behavior studies, sedative, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, nootropic activity and antidepressant studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant Material: The roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum were procured from ayurvedic drug store in Trivandrum, Kerala and the sample was authenticated for their correct botanical identity by Professor Jayaraman, National Institute of Herbal Science, Chennai and specimen of the root has been be deposited in the department. Its voucher specimen no is 0997. Preparation of Extracts: The roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum were powdered (500g) and ethanolic extract was prepared by simple maceration process using 2 L of ethanol. The ethanolic extract was evaporated under reduced pressure using rotavapor evaporator. The yield of the extract was 0.93%w/w. A suspension was prepared using 2%v/v tween 80 and administered orally.