Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic properties of the decoction of stem bark of
Hallea ciliata
in mice.
The decoction of
Hallea ciliata is used in traditional medicine in Cameroon to treat diseases like anxiety disorders, fever, infantile
convulsions and malaria.
Materials and methods: Stress induced hyperthermia, elevated plus maze, open field and hole-board tests were used. Four different doses
of the decoction were administered to mice and their effects were compared to the effects of diazepam and vehicle. Phytochemical
characterization of the decoction revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins.
Results: Administration of
Hallea ciliata resulted in a significant decrease of stress induced hyperthermia in mice at the doses of 29.5, 59
and 118 mg/kg. In the elevated plus maze test,
Hallea ciliata increased the number of entries and the percentages of entries and time into
the open arms, and reduced the number of entries and the percentages of entries and time into the closed arms. In the hole-board test,
Hallea ciliata increased the number of both head-dipping and crossing and decreased the latency to the first head-dips and rearing. The
decoction of
Hallea ciliata and diazepam increased locomotion in the open field test.
Conclusion: The number of rearing and the mass of fecal boli produced were decreased in mice treated with decoction and
diazepam. In conclusion, the results indicated that decoction of
Hallea ciliata has anxiolytic-like properties in mice and could
potentially be used for anxiety treatment.
