Pharmacological evaluation of the extracts ofSphaeranthus indicusflowers on anxiolytic activity in mice

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The objective of the study was to investigate the anxiolytic activity of petroleum ether, alcohol and water extracts, obtained from the flowers of<i> Sphaeranthus indicus </i> Linn, in mice. <br><b> Materials and Methods:</b> Elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT) and foot-shock induced aggression (FSIA) were the screening tests used to assess the anxiolytic activity of the extracts on mice. Diazepam (1 mg/kg) served as the standard anxiolytic agent. <br><b> Results:</b> The animals receiving extracts or diazepam (1 mg/kg) showed an increase in the time spent, percent entries and total entries in the open arm of the EPM; increased ambulation, activity at centre and total locomotion in the OFT; and decreased fighting bouts in the FSIA, suggesting anxiolytic activity. Petroleum ether extract (10 mg/kg), alcoholic extract (10 mg/kg) and water extract (30 mg/kg) resulted in prominent activity in the mice. Petroleum ether extract (10 mg/kg) resulted in more prominent anxiolytic activity in the EPM and OFT than ethanolic or water extracts, but was less than that produced by diazepam (1 mg/kg). <br><b> Conclusion:</b> Petroleum ether extract of <i> S. indicus</i> flowers produces prominent anxiolytic activity in mice.