Anxiolytic Activity of Root Extracts of Saussurea lappa in Mice

Objective: To investigate anxiolytic activity of extracts of ischolar_mains of Saussurea lappa Clark. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic activity in mice was assessed using various parameters like elevated plus maze, open field test and foot shock induced aggression. Diazepam was used as standard anxiolytic agent. Results: At 30 mg/kg Saussurea lappa petroleum ether extract (SLP) and alcoholic extract (SLA) at 30 and 100 mg/kg showed anxiolytic activity in all the animal model used in this study. Both the extract and diazepam increased the duration of time spend in open arm, decreased time spend in close arm in elevated plus maze, increased the number of squares traveled in open field test and reduced the number of fighting bouts in foot shock induced aggression. Conclusion: It is concluded that SLP and SLA possess anxiolytic activity. SLA appears to be active as compared to SLP but less as compared to diazepam.