Phytochemical investigation and exploration of CNS depressant efficacy of ethanolic root extract of <em>Cyperus kyllinga </em> Endl.

Abstract

Sedative drugs such as diazepam, lorazepam, pentoberbitone, amphetamine derivatives etc., are known to have permanent side effects. However, addiction to such drugs, possibly out of depression, is not uncommon. Similar drugs from plant origin with same efficacy could be a better safe alternative. In this study, we evaluated ethanolic extract of roots of the <em>Cyperus kyllinga</em> Endl. (Nut grass) for central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity (sedative activity) at the dose 20 and 40 mg/kg body wt. when administered i.p. The standard drug used was diazepam. The CNS activity was assayed in two experimental models: locomotor activity using actophtometer and skeletal muscle relaxant test by Rota rod apparatus. The ethanolic extract of the <em>C</em>.<em> kyllinga </em> demonstrated depression of the CNS activities in the mice. Phytochemical preliminary screening of the root extract has revealed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, steroids and saponin glycoside.