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Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic and a nti-convulsant activity of the alcoholic extract of heart wood of Cedrus deodara (ALCD). 50,100 and 200 mg/kg of alcoholic extract of Cedrus deodara (ALCD) were tested for its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity. Elevated plus maze model (EPM), Actophotometre, Light- dark model were used for testing anxiolytic activity and Pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) induc ed convulsions and Maximal electro shock (MES) induced convulsions models in mice were used for the assessment of its anticonvulsant activity, Pretreatment with ALCD and estimation of GABA in rat brain tissues also performed to study the effect of ALCD (30, 100 mg/kg) on GABA levels of brain. In Actophotometre test, higher doses (100 and 200mg/kg) of ALCD has show ed significant CNS depression by reducing locomotor activity in mice. In EPM the 100 and 200mg/kg of ALCD has increased the time spent in the open arm and decreased tim e spent in the closed arm. In Light-dark model the 100 and 200mg/kg of ALCD has showed significant inc rease in the time spent in light zone when compare to the dark zone. In PTZ induced convulsions model 100 and 200 mg/kg of ALCD has increased the onset of clonus and tonic seizures.

In MES induced convulsions model 100 and 200 mg/kg of ALCD has decreased duration of tonic extensor phase and also at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses the AL CD has increased the percentage protection in PTZ and MES induced convulsions. The ALC D (30 and 100 mg/kg) also showed significant modulation of GABA levels of cereb ellum and whole brain other than cerebellum. In conclusion these observations suggest tha t 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of ALCD are having good anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity.

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