EVALUATION OF CNS ANTI-DEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF SEEDS OF TRACHYSPERMUM ROXBURGHIANUM IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

The search for safer alternatives to synthetic neuroactive drugs has increased interest in medicinal spices with potential central nervous system (CNS) activity. Trachyspermum roxburghianum, a traditionally used aromatic spice, remains poorly explored for its neuropharmacological effects. This study evaluated the CNS depressant activity of the methanolic extract of T. roxburghianum seeds in mice. CNS depressant activity was assessed using forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time assay in Swiss albino mice. The extract was administered orally at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, while diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) served as the reference standard. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated up to 2000 mg/kg. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed, and statistical analysis was conducted using paired Student’s t-test (one-tailed). The extract produced a dose-dependent increase in immobility time in both FST and TST. In the thiopental-induced sleeping time test, the extract significantly reduced sleep onset latency and prolonged sleep duration at higher doses. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenolics, tannins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides. No mortality or severe toxicity was observed. T. roxburghianum seed extract exhibits significant CNS depressant activity in mice, supporting its traditional use and warranting further mechanistic and phytochemical investigations.