Anxiolytic Activity of Trigonella foenum-greacum Seeds

Objective : To study the anxiolytic activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seeds. Methods: Methanol extract (ME) and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract (EAF) were assessed for their anxiolytic activity. The ME (30,100 mg/kg) and EAF (30, 100mg/kg) administered intra-peritoneally exhibited anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze (EPM) paradigm, Light/Dark apparatus (LDA) and Open field apparatus (OFA). Meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP, 1 mg/kg), a 5-HT₂ receptor agonist, known to induce anxiety was used to study antagonism with different doses of EAF and with diazepam. Results : In EPM, both ME and EAF increased the time spent in open arms and the number of entries in open arms. In Light: Dark apparatus, ME and EAF increased the time spent in lit zone. In OFA, the number of assisted rearing and the number of squares traversed were increased. Different doses of EAF (30,60,120,240,480 mg/kg ) also antagonized the effects of m-CPP( 1 mg/kg). The ED₅₀ value of EAF was found to be 48.97mg/kg. Conclusion : Thus, the seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum contain bioactive principle(s) which possess anxiolytic activity.