Anxiolytic and Sedative Activities of Methanol Extract of Solanum aethiopicum (Linn.) Fruits in Swiss Mice doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v5i2.24

Abstract

Anxiety is an abnormal response to a danger or stressful condition. This study investigated anxiolytic and sedative properties of the methanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum fruit in Swiss mice. Medium Lethal Dose (LD50) was determined using OECD guidelines. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard method. Anxiolytic and sedative activities of themethanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum fruit (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were evaluated using open field test, elevated plus-maze test, staircase test, light and dark box test, hole-board test,beam walking assay, and ketamine-induced sleeping time in mice. The oral  LD50 of methanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum fruit in mice was above 5000 mg/kg. In open field test, Solanum aethiopicum methanol extract increased the frequency of rearing, line crossing and central square entry (p<0.05) compared to the negative control. Elevated plus-maze results indicated that the methanol extract significantly increased the number of open arm entry and duration of stay (p<0.05). In the Staircase test, the methanol extract did not significantly decrease step climbing (p<0.05) compared to the negative control. In the Hole-board test, the methanol extract decreased the onset of head dips and increased the number of head dips (p<0.05). In the Beam walking assay, the methanol extract increased the number of foot slips and time taken to reach the goal box (p<0.05) compared to the negative control. In the Ketamine-induced sleeping time test, the methanol extract decreased the onset of sleep and increased the duration of sleep (p<0.05). Solanum aethiopicum methanol extract possesses both anxiolytic and sedative properties.