Anti-Depressant Activity of Alstonia Venenata R.Br Stem Bark Extracts in In-vivo Methods

C. Pradeep Kumar^*, T. Sravanthi, Dr. Vijaya Kuchana, CH. Maheswara Reddy
Teegala Krishna Reddy College of Pharmacy, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

A B S T R A C T
The ethanolic extract of Alstonia venenata R.Br stem bark was subjected for phytochemical investigation and LD₅₀ studies. It was found that ethanolic extract contained reducing sugars, proteins. Aminoacids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and tannins. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are responsible for anti-depressant activities. The extract was tested for their lethal effect up to the dose level of 1000mg/kg. No mortality was observed in mice. The administration of extract at doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, by oral administration, produced a significant (P<0.05-0.01) anti-depressant effect in mice by Tail Suspension Test and Forced Swim Test of 50mg/kg by oral administration, significantly (P< 0.05- 0.01) produce. Further studies are necessary to confirm and extend the results.
Keywords: Alstonia venenata R.Br stem bark, soxhlet apparatus, Mice, Tail Suspension Test, Forced Swim Test.