Evaluation of Antianxiety Activity of Bauhinia variegata in Mice

Bauhinia variegata has been used traditionally to treat bronchitis, leprosy and tumors. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity of the leaves and seeds of Bauhinia variegata using elevated plus maze (EPM) model in Swiss albino mice. Albino mice were treated orally with different doses of the extracts (i.e.100, 200 mg/kg) and behavior was observed on the EPM. Buspirone (6mg/kg, p.o) was used as a positive control. Results show that methanol extract at the dose of 100mg/kg of the leaves of Bauhinia variegata and B. variegata seeds (200 mg/kg) markedly increased the average time spent in the open arms of the EPM. This effect was comparable to the effect produced by Buspirone. Hence this plant may be developed as a potentially useful anti anxiety agent.