Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of W. Chinensis Merrill Leaves

Abstract

Wedelia chinensis (family: Asteraceae), commonly known as Pilabhangra has been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments like jaundice, diarrhoea, cephalahagia, respiratory disorders and to induce sleep, reduce the mental tension and in anxiety. Despite a long history of uses, no scientific pharmacological evaluation has ever been carried out on this plant. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate anxiolytic activity of W. chinensis using different models of anxiety. Hydro-alcohol extract of W. chinensis leaves was prepared and subjected to bioactivity guided fractionation. Antioxidant activity was determined by spectrophotometric method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also estimated. Amongst the various fractions/extract of W. chinensis tested, only hydro-alcoholic extract, and its ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant (P<0.05) anxiolytic activity in mice using elevated plus maze and light-dark box model of anxiety at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg respectively. Among the various fractions tested, maximum anxiolytic activity was observed only in ethyl acetate fraction which was at par with that of diazepam. The results of present investigation provide evidence that ethyl acetate fraction of hydro-alcoholic extract of W. chinensis has potent anxiolytic activity supporting the traditional claim of W. chinensis in the treatment of anxiety