IN-VIVO ANTI-ANXIETY ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SMILAX CHINA

Shaurya Pratap Singh*, Sandra Goutam, Deepak Kumar Basedia, Prabhat Kumar Jain, Sunil Kumar Shah, Mukesh Kumar Patel

ABSTRACT

The present study aims to evaluate the in-vivo anti-anxiety activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Smilax china, a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties. The study includes comprehensive phytochemical analysis, which revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenols, saponins, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, alkaloids and glycosides were absent in the extract. The total phenolic content was found to be 0.52 mg/100 mg, and the total flavonoid content was 0.81 mg/100 mg, suggesting that these compounds might contribute to the plant's pharmacological effects. To assess the anti-anxiety activity, the study employed two well-established in-vivo models: the staircase test and the elevated plus maze test. In the staircase test, Smilax china extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of climbs and rears, indicating anxiolytic effects. Similarly, in the elevated plus maze test, the extract increased the time spent in open arms and the number of entries into the open arms, further supporting its anti-anxiety potential. The effects of the extract were comparable to those observed with diazepam (4 mg/kg), a standard anti-anxiety drug. The results suggest that Smilax china possesses significant anti-anxiety properties, likely due to its rich phytochemical profile, and supports the potential of this plant as a natural remedy for managing anxiety disorders.

Keywords: Smilax china, Anti-anxiety activity, Phytochemical screening, Flavonoids, Phenolic compounds, Saponins, Elevated plus maze test, Staircase test, Anxiolytic effects, Natural medicine, Hydroalcoholic extract.