New Insight in the Sedative and Anxiolytic Activities of Amaranthus tricolor L. Leaves Extract in Mice

Aims: The present study was planned to assess the sedative and anxiolytic efficacy of Amaranthaus tricolor L methanolic extract in vivo.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, between January 2018 and August 2018.

Methodology: In this experiment, the crude extract of Amaranthus tricolor L. was evaluated for its CNS depressant effect using rodent behavioral models, such as open field, hole cross and rota rod tests for its sedative properties and an elevated plus maze test for its anxiolytic potential, respectively.

Results: In sedative assay, a dose-dependent and statistically significant (p<0.05) suppression of locomotors activity of the mice in both open field and hole cross test was exhibited by theextract at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The extract also displayed increased percentage of entry into open arms at both doses in anxiolytic potential study. At a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight significant anxiolytic activity (p<0.05) was found compared to the standard diazepam.

Conclusion: The pivotal CNS depressant and anxiolytic activity of the methanolic extract of Amaranthus tricolor L leaves was discovered in this experiment. Further research on the extract's biologically active phytochemicals may provide access to therapeutic intervention.