Evaluation of Anxiolytic Effect of Chronic Administration ofMucuna Pruriens In Wistar Albino Rats

Mucuna pruriens commonly known as cowhage plant has been claimed to possess various beneficial effects like anti-parkinsonian, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and antidepressant activities. Previous studies have reported that Mucuna pruriens contains LDOPA and 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HT) as a major constituent with higher concentration in seeds. However, literature search revealed no scientific data on its anxiolytic activity. So the present study was designed to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Mucuna pruriens in a murine model. Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Mucuna pruriens administered at doses of 250,500,750mg/kg/day orally, was compared with the standard drug Diazepam (1.0mg/kg/day, oral) fed for 14 days. Three pharmacologically validated models elevated plus maze, bright and dark arena and open field test were used. The data presented was analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test. A value of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Mucuna pruriensat all three doses used significantly reduced the time spent in closed arm, increased the entries into open arm in elevated plus maze (p < 0.05). In bright & dark arena model, there was an increase in number of entries, time spent in bright chamber (p < 0.05) and in open field test, the time spent and squares crossed in central chambers were increased (p < 0.05). To conclude, the present study demonstrates the anxiolytic activity of chronic administration of Mucuna pruriens in Wistar Albino rats.