Evaluation of antianxiety properties of Piper betle L. leaf extracts on swiss albino mice

Abstract

Background: Many indigenous medicinal plants with natural neuroprotective and antioxidant properties have shown to be beneficial in a variety of behavioral disorders such as anxiety disorders. Objective: To screen the Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Piper betle L.leaf for its antianxiety activity in Swiss Albino mice. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Piper betle L. leaf [PBEE and PBAE] at doses 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg were compared with standard (Diazepam 1mg/kg) and control (distilled water). Six Swiss albino mice (3 each of both sexes) weighing 25-30g were used for each group. Level of anxiety was studied using the behavioural models Elevated Plus Maze [EPM] and Light Dark Arena [LDA]. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was done and compared. Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey Kramer’s multiple comparison test at P = 0.05. The results were represented as Mean ± SEM. Results: PBEE 100mg/kg has shown significant increase in time spent in open arm and number of entries to open arm when compared with control in EPM model. The same dose was found to be significant for time spent in bright area and number of bright area entries in LDA model. On the other hand the PBAE doses were not significantly different from the control. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of bioactive component flavonoids in both the extracts, but saponins were absent in aqueous extract. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Piper betle L. at a dose of 100mg/kg has showed significant antianxiety activity. Keywords: Diazepam, Elevated plus maze, Light drak arena, Phytochemical analysis, Piper betle L.