In vivo Pharmacological Investigation of n-hexane fraction of Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr.

Abstract

Geodorum densiflorum is an endangered terrestrial orchid, which has long been used traditionally for various medicinal purposes in the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate analgesic and CNS activity n-hexane fraction of the roots of Geodorum densiflorum. In Analgesic activities of n-hexane fraction of methanolic extract of the root parts of Geodorum densiflorum by Acetic Acid Induced Writhing Method in mice, showed significant analgesic activities compared to control. At the dose level of 400 mg/kg n-hexane fraction showed 75.73% (p<0.001) inhibiton of writhing which is statistically highly significant and at the dose level of 200 mg/kg n-hexane fraction showed 25.25% (p<0.05) inhibiton of writhing which is statistically significant. Further study is necessary to find out the active ingredient responsible for analgesic activities. The sedative properties of n-hexane fraction of the methanolic extract of the root part of G. densiflorum was investigated using Hole Cross method and Open Field Method. The n-hexane fraction of methanolic extract of G. densiflorum on Hole Cross Test in mice, at the dose level 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg body weight showed dose dependent CNS depressant activity compared to control which is statistically significant (p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively). Further study is necessary to find out the active ingredient responsible for CNS depressant activities.The nhexane fraction of methanolic extract of G. densiflorum on Open Field Test in mice, 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg body weight showed CNS depressant activity (F=29.835, p<0.001 & p<0.05 respectively) which is statistically significant. The anxiolytic properties of n-hexane fraction of the methanolic extract of the root part of G. densiflorum was investigated using Hole Board Method and Elevated Plus Maze test. The nhexane fraction of methanolic extract of G. densiflorum on Hole Board Test in mice, at doses of 200mg/kg BW and 400mg/kg BW showed anxiolytic activity which is statistically highly significant (p<0.001). In EPM test, DCM fraction with 200mg/kg BWand 400mg/kg BW doses significantly (p < 0.05) showed increased exploration and time spent by the DCM fraction treated mice in EPM open arms in a way greater than that of the reference anxiolytic drug Diazepam F=2.570.