Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation for Antipsychotic Activity of Guava Leaf Ethyl Acetate Extract

Asma Altaf  and, Mr Anurag Singh*

Department of Pharmacy, Advance Institute of Biotech & Paramedical Sciences- 209217, (UP), India

Correspondence: anuraagsingh195@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION

Guava leaves are traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This study aims to systematically evaluate the antipsychotic properties of guava leaf ethyl acetate extract through phytochemical and pharmacological methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical Analysis:

Qualitative Phytochemical Screening:

Tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds were performed using standard procedures.

Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis:

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods.

Preparation of Extract:

• Fresh guava leaves were collected, washed, air-dried, and powdered.
• The powdered leaves were subjected to Soxhlet extraction with ethyl acetate as the solvent.
• The obtained extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator and stored at 4°C until use.

Experimental Animals:

• Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used for the study.
• The animals were maintained under standard laboratory conditions with a 12-hour light/dark cycle and free access to food and water.
• The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines for animal care and use.

Experimental Design:

• The animals were divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats (n=6):
1. Control group (saline)
2. Standard drug group (Haloperidol, 1 mg/kg)
3. Guava leaf extract low dose group (100 mg/kg)
4. Guava leaf extract medium dose group (200 mg/kg)
5. Guava leaf extract high dose group (400 mg/kg)

Behavioral Tests:

1. Open Field Test (OFT):
• Measures general locomotor activity by recording the number of line crossings in an open field arena over a 5-minute period.
2. Catalepsy Test:
• Assesses motor function impairment by placing the rats in an unusual posture and measuring the time they remain in this position.
3. Conditioned Avoidance Response (CAR) Test:
• Evaluates antipsychotic activity by training rats to avoid a mild foot shock by moving to the other side of a chamber upon hearing a warning tone.

Biochemical Assays:

• After behavioral testing, rats were euthanized, and their brains were dissected to obtain the striatum and prefrontal cortex.
• Tissue samples were homogenized and analyzed for dopamine and serotonin levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Phytochemical Analysis:

Qualitative Screening:

The ethyl acetate extract tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds.

Quantitative Analysis:

Total phenolic content: 200 mg GAE/g extract

Total flavonoid content: 150 mg QE/g extract

Table 1: Effect of Guava Leaf Ethyl Acetate Extract on Behavioral Tests

Figure Legend: Dopamine and serotonin levels in the striatum and prefrontal cortex after treatment with guava leaf ethyl acetate extract. Values are mean ± SEM, n=6. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 compared to control.

Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of guava leaves. Behavioral tests demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in locomotor activity and conditioned avoidance response, similar to the standard antipsychotic drug, Haloperidol. The extract also induced catalepsy at higher doses, indicating potential dopaminergic antagonism.

Biochemical assays revealed significant alterations in dopamine and serotonin levels in brain regions associated with psychotic disorders, suggesting that the extract may exert its antipsychotic effects through the modulation of these neurotransmitters.

CONCLUSION

The ethyl acetate extract of guava leaves exhibits significant antipsychotic activity in animal models. Phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of compounds that may contribute to these effects. This study supports the traditional use of guava leaves in managing psychotic symptoms and provides a basis for further research to isolate and characterize the active compounds.

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