Neuro-pharmacological and Analgesic Effects of Arnica Montana Extract

Anxiety and disorders associated with anxiety are increasing rapidly throughout the world. In the present research Arnica montana (Asteraceae) was studied on neuro-pharmacological and analgesic effect in mice. Decreased locomotor and exploratory activities (open field, head dip cage, stationary rod, cage cross, forced swimming and light and dark) were observed in mice at the dose of 100 mg/kg. These results were found significant at P<0.05 when compared with Diazepam 2mg/kg. A. montana crude extract also exhibited potent analgesic effect at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg (P<0.05). Aspirin 300 mg/kg was used as a reference drug. Highest % of inhibition (57.6%) was observed in the third phase of acetic acid induced writhing test at the dose of 100 mg/kg of A. montana. Whereas, significant analgesic response was also observed at the low dose (50mg/kg). The percentage inhibition by formalin induced licking biting was found significant in the 2nd (76.1%) and 3rd (19.8%) phase at 50 mg/kg. These results were suggested that the extract of A. montana possess significant analgesic and anxiolytic effect.