Anti-anxiety activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber in mice

Objective

Previous studies have shown CNS depressant activity of petroleum ether extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber. The current study was devised to explore the anxiolytic activity of petroleum ether extract of A. paeoniifolius tuber in mice, using various animal models of anxiety.

Methods

A. paeoniifolius was extracted with petroleum ether by using cold maceration process. The pet ether extract was then tested for its anxiolytic property in mice at different doses (100, 150, 200 mg/kg p.o) using various animal models of anxiety like elevated plus maze, open field test, light & dark test.

Results

The extract was found to contain steroids, fats & fixed oils. The pet ether extract showed potent anxiolytic activity at a dose dependent manner for elevated plus maze and open field test. The extract however failed to show any significant anxiolytic activity in light and dark test.

Conclusion

Petroleum ether extract of A. paeoniifolius may act as a potent anxiolytic agent in mice.