Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTI-ANXIETY ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PHYLLANTHUS ACIDUS LINN LEAVES IN MICE

Ragesh T.*, Aswathi Nambiar M. P., Prof. (Dr.) Ajith Babu T. K.

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Abstract

Anxiety is the one of the most frequently come up disease in these times. Anxiety disorder comprises of emotional and behavioral complications. Anxiety is a situation of extreme fear along with sympathetic over action, motor stiffness and attentiveness syndrome. It alters the brainpower, recalling power, psychomotor purpose etc. An anti-anxiety drug expresses its action on central nervous system to lessen the symptoms of anxiety like apprehension, soothes the mood and progresses the sleep. Ayurveda is one of the traditional medicinal systems of India. It is known as the “Mother of all healing”. World Health Organization estimated that 80% of the world‟s inhibitants still rely mainly on traditional medicines for their health care. The titled study is to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity of Ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus acidus (PAEE) leaves in experimental animal models. The anti-anxiety activity of the PAEE at doses 100 mg and 200mg/kg body weight was evaluated using the elevated plus maze, light/dark transition test, open field test and foot shock induced aggression. Diazepam (2 mg/kg) was used as the standard drug for comparison. The PAEE at doses 100 mg and 200mg/kg body weight showed significant increase in the following parameters: number of open arm entries and time spent in open arms in elevated plus maze; number of entries into the light chamber and time spent in the light chamber in Light/dark transition test; number of squares crossed, number of rearing and time spent in the central square in open field test; number of head dipping in Hole Board test. Significant anti-anxiety activity was shown by the PAEE in all fourmodels.

Keywords: Phyllanthus acidus, Diazepam, Anti- anxiety activity.