Phytochemical & Pharmacological Investigation of Stems of Passiflora foetida

Aims: To carry out extraction, preliminary phytochemical analysis and invivo analgesic screening of extract of the stem of Passiflora foetida L.

Methodology: Passiflora foetida L; Family: Passifloraceae, is an exotic fast-growing perennial and medicinal vine occurring in Germany, France and other European countries and USA and grown in different parts of India. Dried stems of Passiflora foetida L was coarsely powdered and maceration was done using Soxhlet apparatus. The ethanolic extract of stems of Passiflora foetida L was subjected to preliminary phytochemical tests. Then subjected to in vivo analgesic activity.

Results: Phytochemical investigation of the stem of Passiflora foetida L preliminary test showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. Acute toxicity study of ethanolic extract of stems of Passiflora foetida L was carried out and extracts were found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Pharmacological activities of stems of Passiflora foetida L was carried out from ethanolic extract.

Conclusion: Phytochemical investigation of ethanolic extract of stems were carried out and Analgesic activity by tail flick method in rats and acetic acid induced writhing method in mice, showed statistically significant activity (P=.05) when compared to control. The ethanolic stem extract of Passiflora foetida L proved to have significant pain relieving action in a dose dependent manner.