Integrated Pharmacognostical and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. for Anxiolytic Potential.

Background: The long-term use of synthetic anxiolytic drugs is associated with adverse effects such as sedation, tolerance, and dependence. Therefore, plant-based alternatives with better safety profiles are being investigated. Objective: To evaluate the anxiolytic activity of the ethanolic extract of Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. (PMEE) using pharmacognostical, phytochemical, computational, and in-vivo studies. Methods: Pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of PMEE was performed using microscopy, physicochemical analysis, TLC, HRMS, and GC-MS. Molecular docking was conducted against the GABA receptor (PDB ID: 6HUO). Acute oral toxicity was evaluated according to OECD guideline 425. Anxiolytic activity was assessed in Swiss albino mice using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Box tests at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Results: TLC analysis showed a characteristic puerarin spot at Rf 0.71. HRMS identified major phytoconstituents including puerarin, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, glycitin, mirificin, and β-sitosterol. Molecular docking revealed strong receptor binding, with mirificin showing the highest docking score (−9.7308 kcal/mol). No mortality or toxic effects were observed up to 5000 mg/kg. In the EPM model, PMEE at 400 mg/kg increased open-arm time to 124.8 ± 5.84 sec compared to 102.4 ± 5.18 sec in normal controls animals. In the Light–Dark Box test, PMEE at 400 mg/kg increased light-compartment retention time to 142.6 ± 7.14 sec compared to 126.8 ± 5.14 in normal control. Conclusion: PMEE showed significant dose-dependent anxiolytic activity with good safety, supporting its potential as a natural anti-anxiety agents.