Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Anxiolytic activity of Alcoholic Extract of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal Roots

The roots of Withania somnifera (L) Dunal (W. somnifera) are used extensively in Ayurveda, the classical Indian system medicine, and W. is categorized as a rasayana, which to promote physical mental health, provide defense against disease adverse environmental factors arrest aging process. has been stabilize mood patients with behavioural disturbances. objective this study was investigate pharmacognostical, phytochemical features anxiolytic activity alcoholic extracts roots. various pharmacognostical variables were assessed using generally accepted techniques certain variations. An established test technique that documented literature determine qualitative analysis different elements. efficacy extract mice evaluated elevated plus maze (EPMT), light dark (L DT), open field (OFT). Extract dosages 250, 500, 750 mg/kg compared recommended dosage diazepam (1 mg/kg) its efficacy. Alcoholic underwent examination, identified presence fixed oils, lipids, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolics. percentage time spent number entries arm EPMT both considerably enhanced by (250, 750mg/kg, p.o.). significantly increased spent, frequency crossings, decreased length immobility box L DT. OFT rearings, ambulation, self-grooming faecal dropping all signs exploratory behaviour. findings current investigation scientific support for traditional use indicating an may have properties.
 Keywords: Anxiolytic, Dunal, Elevated maze, Open test, Light