ASSESSMENT OF ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF MANGIFERA INDIC A L. LEAVES IN RODENTS EXPOSED TO CHRONIC UNPREDICTABLE MILD STRESS

The purpose of this study was to characterize the anxiolytic activity of an Aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of Ma n g ifera indica L (AEMI) using an elevated plus maze (EPM) model in rat and staircase model in mice . In elevated plus maze ( EPM) model, At dose of Mangifera indica (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) treated group showed significant increase in the % time spent in open arm and no. of entries in open arm when compa red t o CUMS. Significant decrease in SOD, CAT levels and increase in lipid peroxidation level was observed in stressed rats. Mangifera indica (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) treated group improved SOD, CAT, and controlled the lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. In stai r case model, at dose of Mangifera indica (250mg/kg, 500mg/kg) treated group showed significant increase in the no. of step climbed and decrease the no. of rearing when compared to CUMS. These results indicate that AEMI is an effective anxiolytic agent and could be useful in alternative treatment. So Present study confirms that the extract showed significant anxiolytic activity at both dose levels which is comparable with standard anxiolytics Diazepam (2mg /kg in rat and 4mg/kg in Mice p.o).