Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on bryonopsis laciniosa naud, roots

ABSTRACT

The quantitative ash values and extractive values were determined for the roots of Bryonopsis laciniosa Naud [family - Cucurbitaceae]. The roots were extracted successively with various organic solvents and the subsequent fluorescence analysis was carried out. The extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and presence of steroids and saponins was found. One steroidal compound was isolated from the ethanolic extract by column chromatography. The gross behavioural and toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract revealed marked analgesia at the tested dose levels of 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight, but no mortality was observed at the end of 72 hours. The ethanolic extract was screened for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in two different dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg by carrageenan-induced paw oedema method in rats and writhing test in mice respectively. The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at both the dose levels tested. However, the degree of activity observed with the extract in the dose of 400 mg/kg revealed a higher value, which confirms the dose dependent nature of the extract. Present findings suggest that the roots of Bryonopsis laciniosa Naud are endowed with potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities