Isolation, Characterization and Evaluation of Antidepressant activity of Peonidin-3-O-β-Galactopyranoside from Saraca asoca (Roxb.), De. Willd Leaves

Background:

Major depressive disorder is a heterogeneous disease that primarily contributes to global disability. In this condition, individuals often experience disturbances in sleep patterns and psychomotor functions, experiences of guilt, diminished self-worth, inclination towards self-harm, as well as dysfunctions in autonomic and gastrointestinal processes. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De. wild commonly known as Sita Ashoka is a perennial plant, native to Central and East Himalaya and consists of several phytoconstituents of therapeutic interest.

Materials and Methods:

This study aimed to extract, separate, describe, and evaluate the antidepressant properties of a flavonoid compound that was extracted from Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De. Wild leaves. The leaf material’s flavonoids were methodically separated, recognised, and described. A sequential Soxhlet extraction method was used to quantify flavonoids and conduct initial phytochemical profiling.

Results:

The methanolic fraction showed the highest flavonoid content among the different solvent extracts, suggesting that it is appropriate for additional research. This extract was selected for column chromatographic separation to obtain the flavonoid fraction. The purified product was subsequently thoroughly characterised using mass spectrometry, TLC, FT-IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and melting point studies. To assess its potential antidepressant effects, behavioural analyses and neurochemical studies were also carried out.

Conclusion:

Peonidin-3-O-β-Galactopyranoside (PGAL), which is light yellow in colour, pure, crystalline, and has a melting point of 227–231°C, was discovered after the chemical was characterised. PGAL shows significant results in behavioural and neurochemical parameters for antidepressant activity. This substance might be looked into as a potential choice for combining PGAL with a potent antidepressant formulation.