EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS FOR PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY ON LIGHT/ DARK BOX IN NMRI MICE

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Methanolic extract of Tribulus Terrestris (MeTt) in Abino mice.METHODOLOGY: Tribulus terrestris leaves were collected at the botanical garden of the Hamdard University and were identified and authenticated from eastern medicine department of Hamdard University Karachi. Abino mice (30-35 g) of either sex were obtained from the animal House of Dr. HMI Institute of Pharmacology and Herbal Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi. Anxiolytic activity was determined using light/dark (LD) test which is commonly used in rodent for anti-anxiety-like behavior that is based on an approach/avoidance conflict between the drive to explore novel areas and an aversion to brightly lit,open spaces: Total thirty six (N=36) mice were randomly divided into six groups. For each of the model studied (n=6). The groups include controls (vehicle) and standard drugs (Diazepam, Bupirone, 1mg/kg) and three groups of MeTt (50,100 and 200 mg/kg.).RESULTS: MeTt at doses of 50-200 mg/kg significantly (p 0.05) increased the latency of entry into the dark box with peak effect produced at the dose of 50 mg/kg (178±28.8) seconds) compared to control (132±9.1 seconds). The extract at doses of 50-200 mg/kg significantly (p 0.05) increased the time spent in the light box with peak effect at the dose of 50 mg/kg (178±28.8 seconds) compared to control (132±9.1seconds). The effect at this dose was not significantly different from that of diazepam (144.5±34.9seconds).CONCLUSION: MeTt possesses anxiolytic activity due to one or a combination of phytoconstituents in the extract.