Evaluation of Anxiolytic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Rhizome of Bergenia ciliata (Pashanbheda) in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Objectives:To evaluate the possible anxiolytic activity of methanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata rhizome (MEBC) in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The methanolic extract of the rhizome of Bergenia ciliata was tested on various conventional animal models, such as the elevated plus maze, staircase, social interaction, and light/dark model. MEBC with 200mg/kg & 400mg/kg dose in 1% of carboxy methyl cellulose, diazepam with 2mg/kg dose,1% of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose was used as vehicle control in the study. Findings: In the Elevated plus maze model, the numbers of entries in the open arm were 3.1±0.57, 14.5±1.02, 10.8±1.07, and 7.57±0.63 respectively noted for vehicle control, Diazepam (2mg/ml), 200 and 400 mg/kg of MEBC. Similarly, in the Light-dark arena model, the numbers of entries in the dark chamber were 223. 67±0.11.59, 102.33±32.893, 188.33±28.992, and 192±25.120, respectively noted for vehicle control, Diazepam (2mg/ml), 200 and 400 mg/kg of MEBC. In the staircase exploration model, the number of steps climbed were 8.61 ± 2.21, 23.41 ± 1.34, 20.32 ± 1.06 and 11.69 ± 1.94 respectively for vehicle control, Diazepam (2mg/ml), 200 and 400 mg/kg of MEBC. In staircase exploration model and social interaction models, MEBC treated group with a low dose (200 mg/kg) revealed a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in rearing and social contact. This result clearly showed that MEBC-200mg/KG has antianxiety properties when compared to diazepam. Novelty: Bergenia ciliata may prove to be a useful source of natural psychotherapy agents to treat a range of illnesses associated with anxiety.