Exploratory and anxiety potentials of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the exploratory and anxiety potentials of aqueous extract of Phragmanthera capitata (AEPC) in Wistar rats using hole-board paradigm. Materials and Methods: Healthy rats were randomized into 5 groups. Group I (control) received 10 ml/kg saline, Group II (standard) received 0.2 mg/kg Diazepam, Groups III-V (tests) received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg AEPC respectively. Changes in the emotional state of rats were assessed through changes in exploratory activities. Hole exploration consisted of point-sniff, circular-sniff and central sniff while inside hole exploration consisted of staticdip, rapid-dip and active-dip. Latency of the first head-dipping, number and duration of rearing, number of crossing from one compartment to another were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the test used as post hoc. Results: In head dipping, there was a significant increase for 200 and 400 mg/kg AEPC as compared to control. In sniffing, 200 and 400 mg/kg AEPC also showed significant increase in point sniffing and central sniffing respectively. Rearing, duration and mean number of crossing were significantly decreased by 400 mg/kg AEPC. Latency of the first headdipping was significantly decreased by 400 mg/kg AEPC. Conclusion: The results suggest that Phragmanthera capitata has bioactive molecules that act in the central nervous system to lower anxiety.