The dichloromethane fraction of
Hedranthera barteri
(DMHBR), a common medicinal plant, was investigated
in animal models of depression and anxiety in mice. Graded doses (25-200mg/kg p.o. bw) of DMHBR reduced the immobility
time with significant effects produced by 50mg/kg (43.7%), 100mg/kg (45.6%) and 200mg/kg (31.5%) in the tail suspension
test (TST) and by 100mg/kg (66.3%) in forced swimming test (FST), indicating a possible antidepressant-like activity when
compared with standard antidepressant drug, imipramine. Furthermore, a diminution in the anxiety response was also observed
against elevated plus maze and light dark tests, which signify its anti-anxiety activity when compared with standard anxiolytic
drug, diazepam. Moreover, DMHBR has no significant effects on both the motor coordination of the mice in the rota rod test
and the sleeping time in the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time test. These results show that DMHBR has significant
neuropharmacological activity as an antidepressant and anxiolytic activity.