Evaluation of Anxiolytic and Anticonvulsant Effect of Benincasa hispida

Objective: Evaluation of anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect of Benincasa hispida

Material and methods: The fresh fruit of Benincasa hispida was collected, air dried, seeds were separated and methanolic extract was prepared. Swiss albino mice of either sex, weighing between 30-40g were used. CNS activity of Methanolic extract of Benincasa hispida (MEBH) (300 mg/kg, p.o., 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) was measured by Open field behaviour model. Anxiolytic activity of MEBH (300 mg/kg, p.o.) was measured by Elevated plus maze (EPM) model using lorazepam (1 mg/kg, p.o.) as a reference standard. Anticonvulsant activity of MEBH (300 mg/kg, p.o., 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) was measured by Supramaximal Electric Shock induced convulsions using phenytoin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) as a reference standard. Skeletal muscles relaxant activity of MEBH (300 mg/kg, p.o.) was measured by Rota rod using lorazepam (1 mg/kg, p.o.) as a reference standard.

Result: In open field model MEBH showed increase in number of square crossed and number of rearing as compared to control group. In Elevated plus maze model MEBH showed significant increase in time spent in open arm and also increase the latency period for entry into close arm as compared to control group. In Maximal Electric Shock induced convulsions, MEBH showed significant reduction in duration of tonic flexion and tonic extension as compared to control group. MEBH showed the reduction in time spent on the rotating rod.

Conclusion: In short, MEBH showed mild CNS stimulant activity, significant anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant activity. MEBH lack muscle tone relaxation effect.