Abstract

INVIVO SCREENING FOR THE SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANT PROPERTY BY THE LEAF EXTRACT OF SARACA ASOCA

Syeda Qadar Unnisa*, Babera Naaz, Ashreen Unnisa, Tasleem Fatima, Meraj Sultana and Juveria Afreen

ABSTRACT

Background: Saraca asoca (Fabaceae), a highly valued medicinal tree in Ayurvedic medicine, has been traditionally used as a 'universal panacea'.[1] This study aimed to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant properties of the plant's leaf extract. Materials and Methods: The dried plant powder was processed via Soxhlet extraction using ethanol as a solvent. The muscle relaxant activity was assessed in Male Wistar rats using in vivo methods, including the rotarod test, chimney test, and grip strength test. These tests measured the performance reduction in animals before treatment and at 30 and 60 minutes post-administration of the standard drug and ethanolic extract. Results: The results indicated a significant muscle relaxation effect, with the highest response observed at 60 minutes. Among the treatment groups, the ethanolic extract at 400 mg/kg produced a more pronounced skeletal
muscle relaxation compared to lower doses (100 mg/kg and 200mg/kg). The order of effectiveness was 100 mg/kg < 200 mg/kg < 400 mg/kg, demonstrating a dose-dependent response. Conclusion: It is hypothesized that the muscle relaxant and reduced motor activity effects of the ethanolic extract of Saraca asoca are due to the interaction of its flavonoids with the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex in the brain. These findings suggest that ethanolic extract of Saraca asoca (EESA) could potentially be developed as a centrally acting muscle relaxant, similar to Baclofen.

Keywords: Saraca asoca, Ayurvedic, Soxhlet, Rotarod, Wistar Rats, EESA.