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Abstract

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant activity of Valeriana pyrolaefolia, a member of family Valerianaceae. The antianxiety and antidepressant activities of dichloromethane extract were evaluated using the elevated plus-maze model and porsolt's despair swim test. The studies were conducted on lacca mice, and the test materials were administered per oral route. The dichloromethane extract of V. pyrolaefolia roots exhibited significant dose-dependent antianxiety activity at 400 mg/kg. The results were comparable to the standard diazepam (2 mg/kg). The extract also exhibited significant antidepressant activity at 400 mg/kg dose. The results were comparable to the standard imipramine (10 mg/kg). The TLC fingerprint profile of the bioactive extract was developed using precoated TLC plates of 0.2 mm thickness. Valtrate was used as a bioactive marker for developing TLC fingerprint profile. The solvent system comprising dichloromethane: ethyl methyl ketone (8: 2) was used for developing the TLC profile. The TL chromatogram showed valtrate as a major component of the extract.