Abstract

ANXIOLYTIC EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATION PHFA IN ALBINO MICE

Dr. Abin Thomas Mathew, Radhika G., Ramjith U.S.* and Cyril Mathews Jacob

ABSTRACT

Anxiety disorder otherwise known as anxiety states, anxiety reaction is one of the most common forms of neuroses gradually increasing at an alarming rate in community due to various socio-economic factors. Conventional allopathic treatment comprising of habit-forming drugs are a relief to some extent but not devoid of the adverse effects the patient experience throughout the life time. This makes polyherbal research evident. Current research focuses on anti-anxiety property of a polyherbal formulation comprising of leaves of Punnarnava, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Fennel, Azadirachta indica coded as PHFA in experimental animal models which has been used by tribals. PHFA has been evaluated for anti-anxiety activity using various animal models like elevated plus maze test, light and dark exploration test, Rota rod and Open field test animal models. Results obtained in the present study suggest that polyherbal formulation has a dose dependent antianxiety activity. The results also suggest a probable involvement of benzodiazepines/GABA receptor in exhibiting pharmacologic response. Further studies are required to isolate the active constituents in this formulation which is responsible for pharmacological activity.

Keywords: Elevated plus maze test, Light and dark exploration test, Rota rod, Open field test.