Abstract:
Use of anxiolytic drugs is increasing. Several
classes of such agents are available, benzodiazepines forming
the most frequently prescribed group [1], However, most, if
not all of these drugs are likely to induce physical or psychological
dependency with regular use, while withdrawal
symptoms may develop if they are stopped suddenly [2]. Thus
there is a need for the development of novel anxiolytic drugs
without such undesirable side effects.
Plants can be a potential source of anxiolytic drugs.
However, the potential of plants as anxiolytic agents has not
been fully investigated.
We have now evaluated the anxiolytic aaivity of a water
extract of mature leaves of Murraya koenigii (Family
Rutaceae; known as karapincha in Sinhala and Karuvembu
in Tamil), using rats and the shock-induced suppression
of drinking test [3]. We selected this plant because some
Ayurvedic physicians in Sri Lanka claim that a water extract
of M. koenigii leaves possesses anxiety relieving action. It is,
therefore, used in the treatment of hiccough and other
conditions. However, this has not been scientifically validated.
