EVALUATION OF ANTI-ANXIETY ACTIVITY OF FICUSTHONNINGII ROOT IN MICE

Objective: To evaluate Anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extracts of Ficus Thonningii in male and female mice by light-dark model, open field test, Elevated plus maze models. Methods: Healthy, adult mice of either sex weighing 25-40 g, maintained under standard laboratory conditions, at temperature 25±2 °C. The behavioral effects of an acute or sub-acute (14 d course) will be orally administered. Ficus Thonningii (200 and 400 mg/kg) ethanolic extract will be evaluated in male and female mice in various animal models. The animals were housed in plastic cages in groups of ten per cage, at room temperature, about 21+1 ~ C, and with free access to water and food. They were kept on an artificial 12 h/12 h d/night cycle. Results: In the present study, we have undertaken the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ficus thonningii in male and female mice, at the dose (200 and 400 mg/kg) mg/kg with oral administration respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, Ficusthonningii plant extract showed significant anxiolytic activity by using Elevated plus maze, open field test, light/dark exploration parameters. Probably due to GABA facilitatory action of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannic acid, marmesinin, phenols, saponin etc.