Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Citrus Aurantifolia (Christm.) Sw. Stem Bark Extracts for Antidepressant Activity

The Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of extracts was carried out for the determination of presence of phytoconstituents along with TLC. The medicinal plant Citrus aurantifolia(Christm.) Sw. belonging to the Rutaceae family, is renowned for its diverse biological activities and traditional medicinal uses. Extracts from its stem bark collected from Nanded, Maharashtra, India, were subjected to physicochemical characterization and evaluated for antidepressant activity. Various parameters such as ash value, extractive value, and solubility were assessed for the powdered drug. Extracts were obtained using pet-ether, acetone, and methanol via Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical standardization, including TLC analysis, was performed to identify bioactive compounds. In-vivo antidepressant activity was evaluated using the Despair swim test and Tail suspension test in rats and mice, measuring immobility time. Methanol extract significantly reduced immobility time in both tests compared to the standard drug Imipramine, while acetone extract also showed notable activity. The findings suggest that Citrus aurantifolia stem bark extracts exhibit antidepressant potential, possibly attributed to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other phytoconstituents.