title: Nootropic and anxiolytic activity of saponins of Albizzia lebbeck leaves.
abstract: The effect of saponin containing, n-butanolic fraction (BF), extracted from dried leaves of Albizzia lebbeck, was studied on cognitive behavior and anxiety in albino mice. The elevated plus maze was used for assessment of both nootropic and anxiolytic activity. The nootropic activity was evaluated by recording the effect of BF (0, 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) on the transfer latency, whereas anxiolytic activity was assessed by studying its effect on the duration of occupancy in the closed arm. Results showed significant improvement in the retention ability of the normal and amnesic mice as compared to their respective controls. Animals treated with BF (25 mg/kg) spent more time in the open arm in a dose-dependent manner. The BF was without any significant effect on motor coordination. However, it significantly inhibited passivity and hypothermia induced by baclofen (10 mg/kg), a GABA(B) agonist. The data emanated in the present study suggests involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nootropic and anxiolytic activity of saponins obtained from A. lebbeck.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, MVP Samaj's College of Pharmacy, Nashik 422 002, Maharashtra State, India.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Une
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Sarveiya
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pal
authors.forename: V S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Kasture
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Kasture
mesh_terms: D020001:1-Butanol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051379:Mice; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D012503:Saponins; D020001:1-Butanol