Abstract

ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT OF LAWSONIA INERMIS LINN (HENA) ON LIGHT DARK BOX ACTIVITY

Saima Ahmed*, Javed Iqbal

ABSTRACT

Lawsonia inermis traditionally use as emollient on scalp as well as on palm to reduce warmness, extract made from leaves, pharmacological activities includes sedative, nootropic, The aim of current study was to evaluate Methanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis (MeLi) for aits anxiolytic potential, for this purpose the light/dark box activity test used which is commonly used to assess anxiety-like behaviors and validate the pharmacological effects of neuroactive plant extracts and compounds. MeLi at 100 mg/kg i.p exhibited significant increase in time spent in light area with respect to control animals. Moreover the reduction in anxiety behavior, also demonstrated by significant increase in number of entries in the light compartment relative to the dark compartment of the testing apparatus. In conclusion MeLi possesses diazepam, buspirone like anti-anxiety activity in mice.

Keywords: Lawsonia inermis , anxiety, pharmacological, emollient and behavior