Evaluation of Anxiolytic Effect in Flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis.

Water soluble fraction of ethanolic extract of flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn (NATF) was Pharmacologically validated for its anxiolytic properties in experimental animals using various models such as elevated zero maze, elevated plus maze, open field exploratory behavior, novelty induced suppressed feeding test and social interaction test. Extract was given orally at different dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) once daily for three consecutive days, while Lorazepam (Lor) (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) was administered as positive control. NATF showed significant anxiolytic effects on all the models of anxiety. The result reveals that NATF induced a promising increase in open field ambulation and slight increase in rearings and activity in center whereas grooming and fecal dropping remained unchanged. In elevated plus maze, open arm entries and the time spent on open arms was found to be increased. Both the doses of NATF significantly produced the novelty induced increase in feeding latency test. NATF treated animals also showed increased social interaction in normal environment. T