Effect of Cissampelos Pareira Leaves on Anxiety-like Behavior in Experimental Animals

The present study was undertaken to evaluate anxiolytic effect of 70% hydroethanolic extract of leaves of Cissampelos pareira in murine models. C. pareira (Menispermaceae) is rich in alkaloids, and phytochemical results showed that it contains alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids, steroids, etc., Anxiolytic activity was evaluated by using elevated plus maze test (EPM), light dark (LandD) model, and forced swim test (FS) models in rats. The efficacy of extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) was compared with control as well as standard diazepam (DZ; 2 mg/kg, p.o.) in EPM, LandD model, and imipramine (IM; 2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) in FS model. The results showed that DZ and extract significantly increased the number of entries, time spent in open arm, head dip counts, and rearing time, while they decreased fecal count in EPM. DZ and extract also significantly increased the number of crossings and time spent in light compartment, while they decreased duration of immobility in LandD model. In case of FS model, IM and extract significantly increased mobility and swimming time. Thus, the results confirm that hydroethanolic extract of C. pareira has the potential to be used in the management of anxiety-like behavior in a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Further study is required to explore the plant and its parts for anxiolytic potential.