Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANXIOLTIC EFFECT OF WHOLE PLANT OF “CUSCUTA REFLEXA”

Sujith Thomas*, Sapna Shrikumar, C Velmurugan and B.S. Ashok Kumar

ABSTRACT

The anxiolytic effect of methanol extract of whole plant of Cuscuta reflexa at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was evaluated by elevated plus maze and light and dark chamber in mice. Animals were treated orally with normal saline, extract and diazepam 5 mg/kg used as standard drug. The extract 400 mg /kg showed significant anxiolytic effect compared to 200 mg/kg in both models. The 400 mg/kg effect was comparable to standard. Thus methanol extract of Cuscuta reflexa could serve as good anxiolytic agents and seems to be promising for the development of phytomedicines for anxiety.

Keywords: Anxiolytic, Cuscuta reflexa, methanol, light and dark chamber, elevated plus maze.