ANXIOLYTIC PROPERTY OF CAESALPINIA PULCHERRIMA LEAVES EXTRACT IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Objectives: To evaluate the anxiolytic property of ethanolic extract of leaves of Caesalpinia pulcherrima in Albino Wistar rats and Swiss Albino mice. Methods: The anxiolytic activity was evaluated using behavioral models of anxiety like elevated plus maze test, light-dark transition test, hole board test and open field test. The ethanolic extract was screened for toxicity by acute oral toxicity studies according to OECD guidelines 425 for selection of dose. Results: Compared to control group, animals in diazepam (2mg/kg i.p) treated group and the extract (ethanolic 800mg/kg p.o) treated groups revealed a statistically significant increase in anxiolytic activity. (ethanolic extract at 400mg/kg was statistically not significant except in light/dark transition test). Conclusion: Ethanolic extract showed significant dose dependent anxiolytic effect. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of flavonoids, and saponins as major constituents. The results suggest that the ethanolic extract (800mg/kg) of CP leaves seems to possess pronounced anxiolytic effect with lower sedative activity than the ethanolic extract (400mg/kg) when compared to diazepam. The results could be attributed to the flavonoids content (quercetin and sitosterol) of the ethanolic extract.