Anxiolytic effect of Oxalis corniculata (Oxalidaceae) in mice

ObjectiveTo investigate the anxiolytic effect of Oxalis corniculata in mice was examined.MethodsThe open field test, elevated plus maze test and anti-fighting test were used to assess the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata. Diazepam 1 mg/kg served as a standard anxiolytic drug, administered intraperitoneally.ResultsEthanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata (100 and 300 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in the number of squares crossed (controls = 24.33±3.48), but significantly decreased both the immobility (controls = 47.17±4.29 sec) and fecal pellets (controls = 13.50±0.96 fecal pellets) when compared with control mice in the open-field test; they significantly increased the number of entries (controls = 53.00±2.67 sec) in the open arms, but decreased both the number of entries (controls = 29.33±1.05 entries) and time spent (controls = 166.7±4.30 sec) when compared with the control mice in the closed arms of the elevated plus-maze test. Furthermore, ethanol extract of Oxalis corniculata (100 and 300 mg/kg) decreased the fighting episodes significantly (controls = 9.50±0.62 fighting episodes) when compared with control mice. In addition these results were found to be consistent with anxiolytic effect produced by diazepam.ConclusionsThe results of present study suggest that an ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata may possess anxiolytic activity and provide scientific evidence for its traditional claim.