Phytochemical Investigation and Analgesic Activity of Stem Bark Extract of Sapindus trifoliatus Linn

Aims: The study is designed to isolate and charecterize the phytoconstituents, and screen for the analgesic activity of stem bark extracts of Sapindus trifoliatus Linn.

Methodology: The cleaned, dried and powdered stem barks of Sapindus trifoliatus were subjected to extraction by maceration process. The concentrated ethanolic extract of stem bark on was further subjected to preliminary phytochemical studies. The fractionated extracts were then packed into column chromatography for the isolation of phytoconstituents and they were characterized by IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and mass spectroscopy.Acute toxicity was performed to establish the lethal dose of the extract and In vivo analgesic activity was performed by tail flick and acetic acid induced writhing methods in experimental animals.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical studies showed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates. Isolation of extracts led to give compounds like saponin glycoside, a steroid and triterpenoids. The extract was found to be safe up to 2000 mg kg bodyweight. Analgesic activity was found significant at level P = 05 when compared with control by tail flick and acetic acid induced writhing models in experimental animals.

Conclusion: From ethanolic extract isolated a saponin glycoside,from petroleum ether stigmasterol and triterpenoids ursolic acid. The presence of saponin glycoside, triterpenoids, steroids might be responsible for the analgesic activity of the stem bark extract of Sapindus trifoliatus Linn.