Evaluation of CNS potential of Hedychium spicatum

The medicinal value of different species of Hedychium spicatum has been known for a long time. There are various reports of this plant indicating tranquilizing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, pediculicidal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antimalarial, cytotoxic, hypocholesterolemic & anthelmintic activity. No information about it's CNS potential is been observed in the literature. In the present study rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum were extracted with ethanol. Then total ethanolic extract was fractionated with pet ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol. All the fractions were qualitatively analyzed for their phytoconstituents & for CNS activity based on locomotor activity of Wister rats using actophotometer. The results strongly favour the significant antidepressant activity of the ethyl acetate fraction and significant CNS stimulant activity of butanol fraction of Hedychium spicatum rhizomes. It was also observed that the ethyl acetate fraction was rich in alkaloids & carbohydrates & butanol extract was rich in carbohydrates. The TLC study of the ethyl acetate fraction also supports the presence of 4 & butanol fraction supports the presence of 7 major compounds.