TY - JOUR AU - G. H., Shashikala AU - B. N., Shilpa AU - Shah, Mansi J. PY - 2018/08/23 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers in albino rats JF - International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology JA - Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol VL - 7 IS - 9 SE - Original Research Articles DO - 10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20183492 UR - https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/2747 SP - 1797-1802 AB - <p><strong>Background: </strong>Anxiety has become a very important area of research interest in psychopharmacology as it affects one-eighth of the population worldwide. Benzodiazepines are still the most commonly used drugs for anxiety despite a number of side effects.</p><p>There is a need for newer antianxiety drugs with increased safety and efficacy, hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Nerium oleander flowers.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (NA) was prepared using soxhalet apparatus. A total of 24 Albino rats aged 8-10 weeks of either sex weighing about 100-150g were obtained and divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I: Normal saline 10mL/kg. Group II: Diazepam 2mg/kg Group III: NA at a dose of 200 mg/kg Group IV: NA at a dose of 400mg/kg. The anxiolytic activity of Aqueous extract of NA was tested by elevated plus maze and digital actophotometer models. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Posthoc Tukey’s test.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> In EPM model, the NA at 200, 400mg/kg doses showed that the number of entries and time spent in the open arms were increased significantly as compared to the control animals. (p&lt;0.001). In Actophoptometer model, two different doses of NA (200 and 400mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent decrease in the locomotor activity, when compared to the control animals (p&lt;0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Both the doses of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (200mg and 400mg/kg) possess anxiolytic activity and could be used as a new approach to treat anxiety.</p> ER -