An aqueous extract of trunk bark of Ficus religiosa has anxiolytic activity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of a water e xtract of trunk bark of Ficus religiosa. This was tested in rats using the Vogel conflict test system. 1 ml of different concentrations of the extract (12.5, 25, 125, 250, 500 mg/kg) or water (vehicle) was orally administered (three times per day) to different groups of rats and the average number o f mild electrical shocks accepted per minute was determined as a measure of anxiolysis. The results showed a potent anxiolytic activity with a rapid o nset. The anxiolytic activity was, however, not dose-related. The effect wa s also not accompanied by sedation (measured in terms of number of head dip s, time per head dip, number of rear or locomotory activity in rat hole-boa rd technique) or loss of motor coordination due to muscle relaxation (in te rms of time for righting reflex). Further, the extract was non-toxic (in te rms of haematology, rectal temperature, body weight and food and water inta ke) even when given three times a day for seven consecutive days. Overall, the results suggest that the anxiolytic effect is unlikely to have been med iated via a gamma-aminobutyric acid mechanism as with benzodiazepines. We c onclude that it may be possible to isolate from this plant promising anxiol ytic agents or develop lead compounds without undesirable side-effects. Med Sci Res 26:817-819. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.