Abstract
Background: Vacha (Acorus calamus L.; Acoraceae), one of the well-known drug of Ayurvedic pharmacopeia, is highlighted for its Medhya (brain tonic), Sanjnasthapana (restores lost consciousness), Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), etc., properties and hence used extensively in therapeutics. Ayurvedic pharmacopeias like Chakradatta, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) have recommended Shodana (processing) of Vacha using certain media like Gomutra, Mundi Kwatha, Gandhodaka, etc. It has been reported by us that subjecting to Shodhana is not only safe to use but also enhances the therapeutic activity of Vacha. Aim: To assess the antianxiety activity of raw and shodhita (processed) Vacha rhizomes in different experimental animal models. Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 24 ± 4 g, of either sex, were administered with raw and shodhita Vacha (16 mg/kg body weight) along with distilled water. Diazepam (2 mg/kg body weight) was used as a standard drug. Results and conclusion: Pretreatment with both raw and classically processed Vacha samples exhibited significant antianxiety activity; among them, the observed activity in shodhita Vacha was found to be better. The present study confirms the antianxiety activity of raw and shodhita Vacha. But when subjected to the traditional Shodhana procedure, the efficacy of Vacha rhizomes get enhanced.
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