Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of tensarin in mice.

INTRODUCTION Anxiolytic drugs are amongst the most frequently prescribed drugs. Available anxiolytic agents are associated with several limitations. Several indigenous drugs are being evaluated but none has been proved to be effective. OBJECTIVES Aim of the present study is to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Tensarin. MATERIAL AND METHOD The behavioural tests were conducted with single dose schedule and multiple seven-dose schedules of Tensarin 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg in comparison with Diazepam 1mg/kg in mice using open field test, activity-monitoring and passive avoidance test. There were eight treatment groups in each treatment schedule. Each group consisted of ten animals of either sex. The data obtained were analyzed using non- parametric test and P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS Multiple doses produced anxiolytic effect as indicated by an increase in rearing, number of crossing and the time spent by the animals in Central Square. It was also seen that there was significant decrease in step down latency, increase in step down error and time spent by animal in shock zone, these effects were not observed in single dose study. CONCLUSION Tensarin shows a dose dependent anxiolytic effect but further studies are needed to find out the exact mechanism of action of the formulation.