Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Paeonia emodi Root Extract Phospholipid Complex in Mice

Paeonia emodi root (popularly known as Ood saleeb in Unani medicine) acetone extract exerts potent anticonvulsant activity but reduced bioavailability of the extract is a major limitation; therefore, to overcome this constraint, phospholipids complex of Paeonia emodi root acetone extract was prepared. The present research work aimed at evaluating the improved anticonvulsant and other neuropharmacological benefits of developed Paeonia emodi phospholipid complex against Paeonia emodi root acetone extract in mice. The complex of extract was prepared with SPC (Soy Phosphatidylcholine) at a ratio of 1:1. The prepared formulation was evaluated against the uncomplexed whole extract for its anticonvulsant, antioxidant and antidepressant activity at dose level of 300mg/kg and 400mg/kg (p.o.) in Swiss Albino mice. Acetone extract-Phospholipid complex significantly (*p<0.05) delayed the onset of, and antagonized PTZ & ICES induced seizures. Prepared formulation also antagonized picrotoxin induced seizures significantly as compared to extract at both the dose levels. Furthermore, the formulation also exhibited enhanced antianxiety, antioxidant and antidepressant properties as compared to the extract. The developed phospholipid complex of Paeonia emodi root acetone extract showed an improved bioavailability than the existing pure herbal extract. It is, therefore, expected that this might lead to a dose reduction of the extract with improved neuropharmacological effects.