DOI: 10.36347/sajp

Pages: 6-8

The light/dark test is based on the aversion of rodents to brightly illuminated areas and on the spontaneous exploratory behaviour of rodents in response to mild stressors, that is, novel environment and light. The test apparatus consists of a small dark safe compartment (one third) and a large illuminated aversive compartment (two thirds). The light/dark test may be useful to predict anxiolytic-like or anxiogenic-like activity in mice. The aim of current study was to evaluate Methanolic extract of Aristolochia Indica. L (MeAI) for aits anxiolytic potential, for this purpose the light/dark box activity test used which is commonly used to assess anxiety-like behaviours and validate the pharmacological effects of neuroactive plant extracts and compounds. MeAI at 100 mg/kg i.p exhibited significant increase in time spent in light area with respect to control animals. Moreover the reduction in anxiety behaviour, also demonstrated by significant increase in number of entries in the light compartment relative to the dark compartment of the testing apparatus.