Abstract:
ackground: Pseudospondias microcarpa is a plant used
for managing various diseases including CNS disorders.
Previous studies showed sedative and anticonvulsant
effects, suggesting possible anxiolytic activity. This study
therefore assessed the anxiolytic effects of P. microcarpa
hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) in mice.
Methods: In the present study, anxiolytic-like effect of the
extract in behavioural paradigms of anxiety – the elevated
plus maze (EPM), light/dark box (LDB), social interac-
tion test and stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) – was
evaluated.
Results: Mice treated with PME (30–300 mg kg−1, p.o.)
exhibited anxiolytic-like activity similar to diazepam in
all the anxiety models used. The extract increased open
arm activity (p < 0.05) in the EPM as well as increasing
the time spent in the lit area in relation to the time spent
in the dark area of the LDB. Sociability and preference
for social novelty significantly (p < 0.05–0.001) increased
in mice treated with PME. In the SIH paradigm in mice, both PME and the benzodiazepine receptor agonist,
diazepam, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the stress-
induced increase in rectal temperature. The extract did
not impair motor coordination and balance in the beam
walk test.
Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that
PME possesses anxiolytic-like effects in mice.
