Neuropharmacological investigations on Actaea acuminata Wall. ex Royle roots

Actaea acuminata Wall. ex Royle, synonym of Actaea spicata var. acuminata (Wall. ex Royle) H.Hara, commonly called the Himalayan Baneberry ( Ranunculaceae) has been investigated for various pharmacological activities, based on its traditional claims. Properly identified A. acuminata roots were defatted by extracting with petroleum ether. The marc was then extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol. Various pharmacological activities such as antianxiety (Elevated plus maze, Hole board and Light/Dark tests), anticonvulsant (Maximum electroshock test), antidepressant (Despair swim test), sedative (Actophotometer), antistress (Cold swim test), analgesic (Tail immersion test) and anti-inflammatory (Carrageenin-induced paw edema model) were evaluated after administration of 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o., doses of methanol extract. The methanol extract exhibited significant antianxiety, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and antistress activities, and mild sedative activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg. It was found to be devoid of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Preliminary phytochemical screening of methanol extract showed the presence of alkaloids and polyphenols. Thus, CNS activities of the plant may be attributed to these groups of phytoconstituents.