title: Anxiolytic-like effect of the leaves of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. in mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pseudospondias microcarpa is a plant used for managing various diseases including CNS disorders. Previous studies showed sedative and anticonvulsant effects, suggesting possible anxiolytic activity. This study therefore assessed the anxiolytic effects of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) in mice.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, anxiolytic-like effect of the extract in behavioural paradigms of anxiety - the elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark box (LDB), social interaction test and stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) - was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mice treated with PME (30-300 mg kg-1, p.o.) exhibited anxiolytic-like activity similar to diazepam in all the anxiety models used. The extract increased open arm activity (p<0.05) in the EPM as well as increasing the time spent in the lit area in relation to the time spent in the dark area of the LDB. Sociability and preference for social novelty significantly (p<0.05-0.001) increased in mice treated with PME. In the SIH paradigm in mice, both PME and the benzodiazepine receptor agonist, diazepam, significantly (p<0.05) reduced the stress-induced increase in rectal temperature. The extract did not impair motor coordination and balance in the beam walk test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of the present study indicate that PME possesses anxiolytic-like effects in mice.
authors.forename: Donatus Wewura
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Adongo
authors.forename: Priscilla Kolibea
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Mante
authors.forename: Kennedy Kwami
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2948-9615
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Edem Kukuia
authors.forename: Elvis Ofori
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Ameyaw
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Woode
authors.forename: Iliya Hosea
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Azi
mesh_terms: D027926:Anacardiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts