Anxiolytic activity of methanolic extract (MHR) (30, 100 mg/kg) and anthocyanidins (AHR) (30, 100 mg/kg) of H. rosa-sinensis flowers was evaluated in mice using elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark (LDT), hole board (HBT) and marble burying (MBT). MHR and AHR exhibited significant increase in time spent and number of entries in open arms in EPM and LDT. MHR and AHR showed significant increase in number of head-dipping in HBT and decreased number of marbles buried in MBT, similar to that of diazepam (1mg/kg), a reference standard. The same treatment showed a significant increase in protection against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. Pre-treatment with low dose haloperidol, prazosin and para-chloro phenylalanine (p-CPA) induced anxiety in animals which was significantly reversed after treatment with MHR and AHR. The study concludes that MHR and AHR possess potential anxiolytic-like activity involving dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) mechanisms.
Loading....