THE EFFECTS OF AEGLE MARMELOSON ANXIETY IN WISTAR RATS AND IT'S COMPARISON WITH DIAZEPAM

The present study was designed to evaluate the neuropsychopharmacological effects (anxiolytic) of Aegle marmelos extract. These effects were compared with standard drugs of their class (Diazepam). Aegle marmelos extract showed anxiolytic activity in elevated plus-maze and Y-maze models. A. marmelos extract administration at both the doses (100 mg/Kg, 200 mg/Kg, p.o) significantly increased open arm activity in EPM by increasing time spent and number of entries into open arms and decreased the number of visits in Y-maze, as compared to those of control. Effect of higher dose was more than lower dose. This anxiolytic effect was achieved without any impairment in motor co-ordination in contrast to diazepam which has skeletal muscle relaxant activity at antianxiety dose. Present study shows that Aegle marmelos possess anxiolytic properties. All these effects could be attributed a number of phytoconstituents including flavonoids, quercetin, tannic acid, phenols, eugenol, marmesinin, ascorbic acid, skimmianine and saponin.