Publication:

Evaluation of phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Bacopa monnieri (L.)

Background Bacopa monnieri (L.) locally called Brahmi of Scrophulariaceae family has a long history for numerous therapeutic purposes like memory enhancing, antianxiety and antiepileptic agent. The aim of this study was to investigate phytochemical screening, antibacterial, cytotoxic, analgesic and neuropharmacological activities of B. monnieri.

Methods The antibacterial activity was performed by disc diffusion method.  Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was carried out to determine cytotoxic potential. Acetic acid induced writhing method was employed for the assessment of analgesic activity of B. monnieri extracts. The neuropharmacological activity was determined by hole cross, open field and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test using Swiss Albino mice as experimental animal.

Results Phytochemical screening revealed that n-hexane, dichloromethame and methanolic extracts contained reducing sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The sample showed comparable antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. In analgesic activity test, methanol soluble extract showed highest activity compared to standard drug, Diclofenac sodium. The neuropharmacological activity of three extracts showed moderate activity as compared with standard drug, Diazepam and Thiopental sodium.

Conclusions Our exploration suggests that B. monnieri contains bioactive compounds and it should be studied further for isolation and purification of such novel compounds.