INVESTIGATION OF PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITIES OF PUERARIA TUBEROSA

Pueraria tuberosa, commonly known as Indian Kudzu, is a medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and anxiolytic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pueraria tuberosa. The hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and its yield was calculated. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to identify primary and secondary metabolites. Quantitative analysis was conducted to determine the total phenol and flavonoid content. The anxiolytic effects were assessed using the elevated plus-maze and staircase tests in mice. The hydroalcoholic extract yielded 14.5% w/w of crude extract and was found to contain carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and alkaloids. Quantitative analysis revealed that the extract contained 0.952% total phenols and 0.745% total flavonoids. Behavioral studies demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects, with treated groups showing increased time spent in open arms and decreased time in closed arms in the elevated plus-maze test, as well as increased steps climbed and decreased rearing in the staircase test. The hydroalcoholic extract of Pueraria tuberosa exhibits significant anxiolytic properties, likely due to its rich content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. These findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of the extract for anxiety-related disorders.

Key words: Pueraria tuberosa, hydroalcoholic extract, phytochemical analysis, anxiolytic effects, elevated plus-maze, staircase test, phenols, flavonoids, medicinal plant.