Summary and Conclusions
 The preliminary phytochemical analysis reveals that the hydroalcoholic extract of
Argyreia nervosa showed positive results towards Alkaloids, tannins, phenolic
compounds, Flavonoids, sterols, lignans, sugars; Jasminum sambac showed positive
results towards tannins, phenolic compounds, Flavonoids, triterpenoids, sugars,
coumarins; Passiflora foetida showed positive results towards alkaloids, tannins,
glycosides, phenolics, Flavonoids, sterols, sugars, lignans; Sapindus emarginatus
showed positive results towards tannins, phenols, glycosides, sterols, triterpenoids,
saponins, sugars, lignans, which was confirmed by TLC and HPTLC studies. The
phytoconstituents were isolated by column chromatography and structure was
elucidated by spectral studies.
 Fractionation of extract lead to the isolation and identification of compounds AN-1
and 2 is from AN revealed the phytochemicals as ergometrine and isoquercetin
respectively. Chlorocoumarin and Kaempferol as JS-1 and JS-2 from JS. Harmaline
and Vertexin as PF-1 and PF-2 from PF. Oleanolic acid and Amyrin respectively as
SE-1 and SE-2 from SE.
 The hydroalcoholic extracts of AN, JS, PF and SE were standardized and the total
phenolic contents were found to be 10.58 ± 0.03, 20.64 ± 0.15, 61.63 ± 0.03 and 25.46
± 0.87 mg GAE/g extract respectively. The total tannic contents were found to be
63.08 ± 1.23, 16.08 ± 1.57, 16.11 ± 0.96 and 71.42 ± 0.24 mg TAE/g extract
respectively. The total flavonoid contents were found to be 10.98 ± 0.04, 11.88 ± 0.17
and 11.60 ± 0.23 mg QE/g extract respectively, as SE did not show any response to
Flavonoids.
 Argyreia nervosa, Jasminum sambac, Passiflora foetida and Sapindus emarginatus
were found to have potent antioxidant activity, as evident from invitro antioxidant
studies against DPPH radical scavenging, Nitric oxide radical scavenging, Hydrogen
Institute of Pharmceutical Technology, SPMVV, Tirupati
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Summary and Conclusions
peroxide radical scavenging activities, Reducing power assay, Total antioxidant
capacity indicating that AN, JS, PF and SE were effective in scavenging the ROS
generated during major depressive disorder.
 The acute toxicity studies were conducted as per the OECD guidelines 420, where the
limit test dose of 2000 mg/kg used. No test substance- related mortality was observed
at 2000 mg/kg.
 The alcoholic extract of AN, JS, PF and SE at a dose of 250 and 500mg/kg orally
daily
for 28 days did not produce any sign of observable toxicity during the
experimental period. All the tested haematological parameters such as Hb, RBC,
WBC, PCV; Liver function parameters like AST, ALP, ALT; Kidney function
parameters like urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine; metabolic indices like LDL,
HDL, VLDL, TG, Glucose and
Liver, Heart, Lung, Spleen, Kidney and Body
Weights were within the normal. No significant change is observed as and when
compared to control animals indicating that the plants are safe.
 In conclusion, this study presents strong evidence of the nontoxic effect of the
hydroalcoholic extracts of AN, JS, PF and SE. These results support the use of
extract of AN, JS, PF and SE is safe and explained the extensive utilization of the
plant in traditional medicine.
 AN, JS, PF and SE showed no mortality at a dose 2gm/kg indicating its LD50 as
5gm/kg.
 AN, JS, PF and SE showed decreased immobility in FST and TST indicating their
antidepressant activity.
 AN and SE showed the involvement of serotonergic system in their antidepressant
activity, where as PF and JS showed the involvement of adrenergic system.
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Summary and Conclusions
 The hydroalcoholic extracts of AN, JS, PF and SE were found to be effective against
stress induced alterations in Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and vitamin C
levels indicating its antioxidant capacity.
Further studies are required to evaluate the specific phytoconstituents in AN,
JS, PF and SE responsible for antidepressant like activity in order to develop “new
lead molecule” as novel therapeutic agent for depression.
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