Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity of the alcoholic extract of heart wood of Cedrus deodara(ALCD). 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of ALCD were tested for its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity. Anxiolytic activity was tested by exposing mice to unfamiliar aversion in different methods like elevated plus maze model, light-dark model and actophotometer. The results suggest that ALCD reduced the aversion fear and produced anxiolytic activity in a dose dependent manner. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions and maximal electro shock (MES) induced convulsions models in mice were used for assessment of its anticonvulsant activity. 100 and 200 mg/kg of ALCD increased the onset of clonus and tonic seizures in PTZ induced convulsions model and decreased the duration of tonic extensor phase in MES induced convulsions model and also increased the percentage protection in PTZ and MES induced convulsions. Effect of ALCD (30 and 100 mg/kg) on gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels of brain also studied.  Estimation of GABA in rat brain after administration of ALCD showed significant modulation of GABA levels. In conclusion these observations suggest that 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of ALCD exhibit anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity.

Key words: Cedrus deodara, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, gamma aminobutyric acidestimation.