Anxiolytic effect of root extract of amazing folklore herb flemingia strobilifera (l.)w.t. aiton in albino mice

Flemingia strobelifera is a medicinal plant belongs to Fabaceae family. It is widely distributed in India and subcontinent. It is extraordinarily famous for its sleep inducing activity among the tribal people of India. Various studies have already proved its different pharmacological activity. Present study aimed to evaluate the antianxiety activity of aqueous extract of roots of the medicinal plant in elevated zero maze test and mirror chamber test. Twenty four Swiss albino mice of either sex were divided into four different groups of six mice in each. Group I received normal tap water at a dose of 10ml/kg, served as normal control. Group II received Diazepam 2mg/kg and served as reference standard. Group III and IV administered with AEFS at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg respectively. In acute toxicity study there was no mortality up to 2000mg/kg. The aqueous extract of the plant has shown significant anxiolytic activity at both the doses. In elevated zero maze test latency period to enter in to open arm has been significantly reduced and there was significant increase in the time spent in open arm and open head dips in comparison to control group (**p<0.01). In mirror chamber test significant increase in the number of partial entries and marked increase in the time spent inside the mirror chamber and number of full entries has observed in comparison to normal control. Presence of Flavonoids might be the chemical entity responsible for its anxiolytic activity. Further scientific studies are required to validate the therapeutic use and to elucidate the exact mechanism of action.