Evaluation of the Anxiolytic Effect of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Paullinia pinnata Lin in Mice
M. Aliyu *
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
J. A. Anuka
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
A. H. Yaro
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
M. G. Magaji
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of methanolic leave extract of Paullinia pinnata L. in mice. The elevated plus-maze and staircase paradigm were used to assess the anxiolytic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Paullinia pinnata and diazepam. The results of the elevated plus-maze test showed that the extract at the dose of 50 mg/kg and diazepam significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.005) increased both the number of entries and time spent in the open arm by mice. In staircase paradigm, the extract produced a significant (P<0.05-P<0.0005) dose dependent decrease in the number of steps ascended and number of rearing events compared to the control mice. Diazepam significantly (P<0.0005) reduced the number of rearing events compared to control. The result of the present preliminary study suggests that methanolic leaf extract of Paullinia pinnata may possess an anxiolytic activity.
Keywords: Paullinia pinnata, anxiolytic, elevated plus- maize, staircase, diazepam