Screening of aerial parts of the plant Clerodendrum paniculatum Linn for anti-anxiety activity

The present study was undertaken to investigate and validate the traditional claims of Clerodendrum paniculatum Linn for its anti-anxiety activity. C. paniculatum linn belongs to Verbenacae family. Ethnomedical importance of various species of Clerodendrum genus has been reported in various indigenous systems of medicines and folk medicines. It is used as a medicine for the treatment of sore eyes, gonorrhoea, urinary tract infection and kidney problems. Till date there are no reports available regarding its pharmacological properties of hence, it is therefore worthwhile to study the unrevealed properties of this plant. The shade dried aerial parts of plant were extracted by extracted using ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and aqueous as a solvent. Obtained extracts were subjected for phytochemical screening and antianxiety activity was studied using elevated plus maze and light and dark models. Results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, and terpenoid like compounds. In addition, among the extracts studied for anti-anxiety activity of ethyl acetate extract shown significant activity comparable with standard drug, diazepam. Petroleum ether and aqueous extracts shown least anti-anxiety activity in comparison with the standard.