Flavonoids are well known to possess anxiolytic activity. Quercetin produces anxiolysis by acting on α1β1γ2s GABAA receptors. The presence of flavonoids in Cydonia oblonga leaves has been reported. The major flavonoid in Cydonia oblonga leaves is quercetin.To the best of our knowledge, there has been no scientific study to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Cydonia oblonga. Based on the notion that quercetin present in Cydonia oblonga could be helpful in anxiety, we investigated anxiolytic-like activity of a flavonoid rich methanol extract of Cydonia oblonga (MECO) using elevated plus maze, light/dark box and open field apparatus in mice. The extract was given orally by gavage at the dose of 500 and 800 mg/kg body weight. Diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) was used as the standard drug. It was observed that the extract significantly increased the time spent in the open arm and the number of entries in the open arm compared to control group in elevated plus maze. The time spent in the light cubicle of light/dark box apparatus was also increased significantly. The extract also demonstrated a significant and dose dependent increase in ambulation and rearing in open field test. These findings suggest that MECO possesses anxiolytic-like potential, which is most likely produced through quercetin and other flavonoids mediated potentiation of GABAA receptors.
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