PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND EVALUATION OF MUSCLE RELAXANT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF RHIZOME OF ZINGIBEROFFICINALE

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Objective: The aim of this study to investigate the Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and evaluation of Muscle relaxant activity of ethanolic extract of Zingiberofficinale (EEZO) belonging to the family Zingiberaceae using Swiss albino mice in comparison with that of standard drug (Lorazepam).

Methods: The phytochemical screening of the EEZO was done as per the standard methods. Then the extract was evaluated for its muscle relaxant activity compared with Control which is Normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) at a dose of 10 ml/kg and standard drug Lorazepam at a dose of 10 mg/kg p. o by using Rota-rod apparatus. Twenty mice were taken of either sex and are divided into four groups and each group contains five animals. The first group was considered as control, the second group considered as standard and the third and fourth group received extracts (EEZO) at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p. o respectively. All the preparations were administered orally.

Results: The Preliminary Phytochemical screening of Ethanolic plant extract of Zingiberofficinale showed the presence of alkaloids, Carbohydrates, phlobotannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannin and terpenoids and absence of steroids. The two doses of EEZO i.e. 100 mg/kg (7.8±0.421 sec) and 200 mg/kg (3.07±0.385) significantly reduced the fall of time in the Rota-rod apparatus as compared to control (48.67±1.112) with p value<0.0001. The result is quite satisfying when compared with the standard drug i.e. 10 mg/kg p. o. (6.2±0.331).

Conclusion: The result of the given study demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale is having Dose Dependent Muscle Relaxant activity.