Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the
anxiolytic potential of a water extract of trunk bark of Ficus
religiosa. This was tested in rats using the Vogel conflict test
.system. I ml o f different concentrations of the extract (12.5,
25, 125, 250, 500 mg/kg) or water (vehicle) was orally
administered (three times per day) to different groups of rats
and the average number of mild electrical shocks accepted
per minute was determined as a measure of anxiolysis. The
results showed a potent anxiolytic activity with a rapid
onset- The anxiolytic activity was, however, not doserelated.
The effect was also not accompanied by sedation
(measured in terms of number of head dips, time per head
dip, number of rear or locomotory activity in rat hole-board
technique) or loss of motor coordination due to muscle
relaxation (in terms of time for righting reflex). Further, the
extract was non-toxic (in terms of haematology. rectal temperature,
body weight and food and water intake) even when
given three times a day for seven consecutive days. Overall,
the results suggest that the anxiolytic effect is unlikely to
have been mediated via a gamma-aminobutyric acid mechanism
as with benzodiazepines. We conclude that it may be
possible to isolate from this plant promising anxiolytic
agents or develop lead compounds without undesirable sideeffects
