Anxiolytic effect of flowers of salix aegyptiaca L. in mouse model of anxiety

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of total extract of flowers of Salix aegyptiaca on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) model of anxiety. The extract of the flower parts of the plant was administered by i.p. and p.o. to male NMRI mice, at various doses. Oral and i.p. administration of the S. aegyptiaca significantly increased the percentage of time spent in the open arms of the EPM at 200 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The plant extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the animal's locomotor activity at 10 and 15 min time intervals. These doses, however, did not affect the ketamine-induced sleeping time. The 100 mg/kg dose of the plant extract when given by i.p. route seemed to be the optimal dose in producing the anxiolytic effects. Lack of interaction with ketamine in increasing the sleep time is an advantage over diazepam which is water down by its reduction in locomotor activity. Copyright © 2010 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved.