Evaluation of Antianxiety Effect of Mucuna Pruriens (L) –An Experimental Study in Wistar Albino Rats.

Abstract

Mucuna Pruriens (MP) is a plant legume growing well in tropical countries like Africa and Asia. Various parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat diseases like Parkinsonism and male infertility and as anabolic agents. These effects are attributed to the biologically active components with antioxidant properties. Many studies are highlighting the antiparkinsonian effect of MP. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were used in this study to investigate the antianxiety activity. The animals were separated into four groups of six (Control, Diazepam-5mg/kg, MP-200mg/kg, and MP-400/kg). All animals were tested for 18 weeks, with a six-week interval beginning with week one. This study aims to observe the effect of MP on anxiety on the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). Effects of test drug and control were noted by observing the time spent in the Open & Closed arm of EPM and the number of entries into the open & closed arm and compared among the four groups. Observations were analyzed using One-way ANOVA & Dennett's multiple comparisons tests. Animals treated with Mucuna Pruriens (200, 400mg/kg) produced a significantly increased number of entries and time spent in the open arm in the EPM (p<0.0001) compared with the control group. Mucuna Pruriens, used in this study at doses of 200mg/kg & 400mg/kg, shows an antianxiety effect comparable to that of the standard reference drug diazepam. Diazepam appeared to have a soothing effect, and no sedation was observed with MP powder based on the above results in this study.