Evaluation of anxiolytic potential of ethanol root extract and fractions of Pterocarpus mildbraedii in mice

Abstract

To evaluate the anxiolytic potential of ethanol root extract and fractions of Pterocarpus mildbreadii in mice. Elevated-I-maze model apparatus is a straight wooden passage, divided equally (16cm each) into two enclosed areas (close arms) at both ends of the “maze” and an open area in the centre of two enclosed ends (arms). The ethylacetate fraction of Pterocarpus mildbraedii showed significant increase (p<0.05) in number of unprotected head dips (uHDIPS) when compared to control group but there was no significant difference when compared with other group. The butanol fraction of Pterocarpus mildbraedii showed significant increase in number of unprotected head dips (uHDIPS) at higher dose of 200mg/kg when compared to control group (p<0.05), there was no significant difference when compared with diazepam, crude extract, n-hexane, increased dose of butanol fraction (200mg/kg) there was increased significant difference. The crude extract of Pterocarpus mildbreadii showed significant increase in number of unprotected head dips (uHDIPs) at the dose of 100mg/kg, it also showed same significant increase in number of unprotected head dips with ethylacetate fraction at the dose of 200mg/kg. Ethylacetate fraction of Pterocarpus mildbreadii (200mg/kg) showed significant increase in number of unprotected head dips when compared with the crude extract at the dose of 100mg/kg (p<0.05).Diazepam (2mg/kg) showed significant increase in number of unprotected head dips when compared with the control group. Ethylacetate fraction of Pterocarpus mildbreadii (100mg/kg) showed significant increase (p<0.05) in number of protected head dips when compared with the control group. Increased dose of ethylacetate fraction of Pterocarpus mildbraedii (200mg/kg) showed significant increase (p<0.05) in number of protected head dipping when compared with the control group. The oral administration of ethylacetate fraction (100mg/kg) and 200mg/kg) to mice showed anti-anxiety effects indicated by increase in number of unprotected head dips and decrease in number of unprotected head dips.. Experimental evidence obtained in the laboratory test model could provide a rational for the traditional use of this plant. The plant can be further screened to evaluate and elucidate the mechanism of action and possibly isolate the active principle.