Effects of Coriandrum sativum extract on exploratory behaviour pattern and locomotor activity in mice: An experimental study

Background: Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family, used for medicinal purposes. Objective: To investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from Coriandrum sativum leaves on the exploratory behaviour pattern and locomotor activity of mice. Materials and Methods: Elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) were the screening tests used to assess the anxiolytic activity of, the extracts on mice. Diazepam (1 mg / kg) served as the standard anxiolytic agent. The animal receiving extracts or diazepam showed an increase in the time spent, total entries in the open arm of the EPM and increased total locomotion in the OFT, suggesting anxiolytic activity. Results: The crude dried extract was prepared in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg / kg body weight and administered intraperitoneally to the mice, for evaluation of the anxiolytic activity. The 200 and 400 mg / kg body weight produced highly significant (P < 0.01) anxiolytic effects, in a dose-dependent manner, by increasing the time spent on and the number of entries into the open arms of the EPM and by an increase in the locomotion by mice in the OFT. Furthermore, in lower doses the extract did not affect the locomotor activity. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the leaf extract of the plant exerted an anti-anxiety effect on mice in the elevated plus maze and open field test. Key words: Coriandrum sativum, diazepam, open field test, elevated plus maze