Behavioural and neurochemical characterisation of the anxiolytic properties of an aqueous extract of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants (Chenopodiaceae) in experimental mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Chenopodiaceae) is a medicinal plant known for its anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities in Cameroonian folk medicine. Aim of the study: The aim this work to evaluate anxiolytic effects aqueous extracts investigate mechanism action. Materials methods: Elevated plus maze test open field were used detecting it properties. possible action investigated after pretreatment animals with different antagonists GABAA complex receptors (5 mg/kg N-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide, 4 flumazenil or 2 bicuculline) 30 minutes prior oral administration 370 extract. Results: increased percentage entries into time arms, reduced rearing, head dipping, closed elevated maze. It rearing defecation, crossing, field. In addition, anxiolytic-like properties blocked by (N-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide, as examined test. Finally, activity GABA-T was inhibited brain GABA concentration extracts, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that possess mice might involve an on benzodiazepine and/or sites receptor modulating central nervous system.