Medicinal activity of Vitex negundo L. (Family: Lamiaceae) leaves extract: Assessment of phytochemical and pharmacological properties

Abstract

The present study was performed to evaluate phytochemical groups, analgesic and neuropharmacological activities of ethanol extract of leaves of Vitex nigundo (Lamiaceae). Preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanol extract exhibited the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins, steroids and terpeniods. Here, the study of analgesic activity of Vitex nigundo was performed by acetic-acid induced writhing, Tail immersion and Hot-plate test. We found moderate activity which is comparable to the reference drug, Diclofenac-Na. We found potential effect in some neuropharmacological activities using swiss albino mice (body weight: 20-25 gm) as animal model. At the doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight, the extract showed profound decrease in exploratory activity in a dose-dependent manner. It also showed sedative effect at the doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight by a significant reduction in gross behavior. The presented phytochemical groups in this plant may be accountable for these pharmacological effects.