Anxiolytic effect of Curculigo orchioides on the elevated plus maze and light dark model

Nidhi Soni1*,V. K. Lal2, Shikh

Abstract

In ancient to modern system of medicine Curculigo species has been recommended for relief of different central nervous system disorders. Under this reserach study the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanolic and water extracts of Curculigo orchioides root were evaluated for anxiolytic activity using Elevated Plus Maze model (EPM) and Light Dark model (LDM) in mice. The methanolic and aqueous extract exhibited potential anxiolytic effects at 400 mg/kg., p.o. in both methods whereas hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extract were less effective. Preliminary phytochemical studies of the extracts revealed the presence of flavanoids, tannins and phenolic compounds that may contribute to the anxiolytic activity of Curculigo orchioides.