POSSIBLE ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF TRANS-01, A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION IN MICE

Summary The aim of the present study was to explore the possibility of anxiolytic activity of Trans-01, a polyherbal preparation, in mice. Swiss albino mice weighing between 18-24 g were used. The standard anxiolytic, diazepam (1 mg/kg), and the test drug, Trans-01 powder (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were selected and suspended in water for administration orally. In the study the vehicle and the drugs were given daily for 10 days with the last dose one hour prior to the experiments (elevated plus maze and open field tests). Administration (200 and 400 mg/kg) of trans-01 increased the number of entries, the time spent in open arms of elevated plus maze model. Similarly, in open field paradigm higher doses of the test drug increased the crossings, rearing and grooming. Pretreatment with Flumazenil, the benzodiazepine antagonist completely reversed the effect produce by Trans-01(400 mg/kg) in the EPM.These changes are similar to those induced by the standard anxiolytic diazepam. The lower dose of Trans-01(100 mg/kg), however did not show any significant effect in the parameters tested. Thus it can be concluded that Trans-01exhibited anxiolytic-like activity in the models used and it may be partly acting through the GABA receptors as it is evident from the blockade of its action by flumazenil.