Phytochemical and Spectral analysis of Argoclavine; A potent Psychoactive substance present in the seeds of Argyreia nervosa plant

Abstract

There are several medicinal plants having various medicinal properties is being widely used in Ayurveda which contain phytoconstituents. These phytoconstituents are beneficial to manage allied symptoms in psychosis andto treat abnormal condition of the mindthereby promoting mental well being. Argyreia nervosa (L.f) the ancient traditional medicinal plant belonging to the convolvulaceae family having prominent, psychedelic and neuro-pharmacological actions on our body. Argyreia nervosa seeds contain hallucinogens including ergot alkaloids such as ergine and Argoclavine and a naturally occurring lysergic acid amide. The current study describes pharmacognostic and phytochemical screening on Seeds of Argyreia nervosa. Argoclavine was extracted from the seeds and then characterised by different spectroscopic techniques like UV, IR, LC-MS. The results of the present study will create a way for the invention of novel herbal medicines for several ailments by using Argyreia nervosa seeds.