EVALUATION OF ANTI OXIDANT AND CNS STIMULANT ACTIVITY OF HYDRO ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS ON SD RATS

Abstract In the present study Alstonia scholaris extract was prepared in two different solvents depending on polarity and was tested for the presence of different phytoconstituents. Phytochemical analysis of Alstonia scholaris revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins and steroids. Alstonia scholaris has rich presence of phenols and flavanoids. Antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, diuretic, laxative, anti-diarrhoeal activities are reported in Alstonia scholaris. The phenols are the centrally active class of phytoconstituents which are responsible for many pharmacological activities. Acute toxicity study was carried out on the total phenols extract of Alstonia scholaris (HEAS). The estimated LD50 of HEAS was 290.00 mg/kg indicating its moderately toxic properties. This study not only substantiate central depressant and muscle relaxant activity of Cissus quadrangularis L, it also attempts to establish phyto-pharmacological co-relation with presence of phenols are known for their central effect. Ethnobotanically similar Vitaceae plant contains triterpenes and phytosterol like βamyrin, 24-metaylene cycloartenol and β-sitosterol has reported sedative, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant activity. Further studies are suggested to explore mechanism of action of Alstonia scholaris phenols in concern to interaction with central receptors. Key words: Alstonia scholaris, CNS Activity