Anxiolytic Behavioural Model for Benincasa Hispida

Anxiety is unpleasant feeling of apprehension or fearful concern. The disability and health costs caused by anxiety disorders are comparable to those of other common medical conditions such as, diabetes, arthritis or hypertension. According to various literatures available on Benincasa hispida, the present study was undertaken for evaluation of anxiolytic activity of alcoholic extract of Benincasa hispida on various behavioural models. A different dose of extract was tested on models like OFT, Hole Board and Mirror chamber. The medium and high dose (200 and 400mg/kg b.w.) caused significant increase in central locomotion, while Numbers of rearings, Immobility time, Grooming time, Defecation and urination were not significantly reduced in OFT model. In Hole-board model, significant increase in latency to the 1st head dips, number of head dips and time spent in head dips was observed. But in mirror chamber model, reduced latency to enter the mirrored chamber and increased both the number of entries; as well as the time spent in the mirrored chamber was noted. From the results it was concluded that alcoholic extract of Benincasa hispida successfully avoid anxiety induced in behavioural animal model.