Influence of Withania somnifera on obsessive compulsive disorder in mice

ObjectiveTo study the influence of methanolic and aqueous extract of Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) root on the marble-burying behavior of mice a well-accepted model of obsessive compulsive behavior.MethodsMice were divided in different groups (n = 6). Fluoxetine (5, 10, 15 mg/kg), (10, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg) and methanolic extract W. somnifera (MEWS) (10, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg) were administered i.p. 30 min. prior to the assessment of marble burying behavior and locomotor activity. The control group received vehicle of the extract.ResultsAdministration of aqueous extracts W. somnifera (AEWS) and MEWS (50 mg/kg) successively decreaesed the marble burying behavior activity without affecting motor activity. This effect of AEWS and MEWS was comparable to standard fluoxetine, ritanserin and parachlorophenylalanine.ConclusionsW. somnifera extract is effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder.