PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION AND ANTI-ANXIETY ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC-AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF STACHYTARPHETA JAMAICENSIS

Abstract

Medicinal plants have long been utilized in various traditional medicine systems to address neurological and psychological disorders. One such plant, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, commonly referred to as Snakeweed, is recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits. This study aims to assess the phytochemical constituents and the anti-anxiety effects of the ethanolic-aqueous extract derived from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. The extraction process involved three methods: cold extraction, hot extraction, and ethanolic-aqueous extraction, utilizing a 70:30 ratio of ethanol to water. A preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted to identify significant chemical components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds. The findings indicated that various bioactive compounds are likely involved in the anxiolytic effects of the plant. This research implies that Stachytarpheta jamaicensis may have potential anti-anxiety properties, positioning it as a promising natural source for herbal therapeutic agents.