Ethanolic Extract of Hedysarum Alpinum L Is Rich in Flavonoids and Shows Free Radical Scavenging and Psychological Modulation Activities

Abstract

Hedysarum alpinum L (HA) is reported to be able to support the immune and nervous systems.  However, there is only a few reports about the pharmacological activity of this plant. In current study, we investigated the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of an extract of HA using in vitro and iv vivo models. An extract of the specimens preserved in 70% ethanol was filtered and vacuum dried. Established conventional methods were used for quantitative determination of total phenolic and flavonoids content. Phytochemical characterization showed gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin are rich in the ethanolic extract of HA. In addition, the extract showed free radical scavenging activity on hydroxyl and lipid radicals with IC₅₀ 6.72 and 7.73 mg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo studies were performed on rats with orally applying the HA extract and then assessed their psychological behaviors in elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field tasks. The HA extract exhibited psychological modulation activity. Our study suggests the ethanolic extract of HA could be potential to be used in the products of mood soother.