Pharmacological evaluation of anxiolytic property of aqueous root extract of Cymbopogon citratus in mice

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the anxiolytic property of aqueous root extract of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, stress induced hyperthermia (SIH), elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field experimental models were employed. Results: In SIH model, the extract caused a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the body temperature (T2 and ∆T) at doses of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. Similar reduction in the body temperature was obtained by diazepam 2.5 mg/kg used as standard, while increase in the body temperature (T2 ) was observed in the normal saline group. In EPM model, experimental doses of 200, 400 mg/kg of the extract and 2.5 mg/kg of diazepam produced significant (P < 0.05) increase in time spent in the open arms when compared to the normal saline group. However, extract dose of 600 mg/kg had no significant (P > 0.05) effect. In open field model, 200 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg extract doses significantly (P < 0.05) increased locomotion of the mice more than the standard, while rearing and defecation were less in the extract groups. Conclusion: In different experimental models used significant anxiolytic effect was observed of the aqueous extract at different dose levels in comparison to reference standard and normal saline group. This clearly justified its folkloric application in the treatment of anxiety disorders