GABA mediated response of aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Dicranopteris linearis leaf in Swiss Albino mice

Introduction: The objective of the study was to assess the potential of the leaf of Dicranopteris linearis in altering the CNS functions with three different extracts; aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate. Methods: To evaluate and compare the activities Morris maze, elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, hole cross and head dip tests were performed and many behavioral parameters were observed. The forced swim in Morris water maze analyzed the depression of rodents in terms of inability to self-rescue. Alongside, hole cross and open field tests assessed the inhibition of locomotor activities. Moreover, EPM test screened the anxiolytic potential while the head dipping hole board test supported the previous experiments by evaluating both sedative, depressive and anxiolytic potentials of the extracts. Results: The results showed that the ethanol extract significantly suppressed CNS activity by reducing number of locomotor activities and increasing the stability phase (in EPM and Morris maze) supporting mild sedation, depression and anxiolysis. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extract also possessed moderate to high potential in reducing locomotor activities depending on gradient doses. Results were compared with control group and found statistically significant. Conclusion: As this plant mimic the activity of a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, it can be concluded that the plant may have GABA mediated involvement in central nervous system. However, the responsible compounds for these activities are yet to be investigated and this may potentiate a new source of drug development.