Anxiolytic activity of an aqueous extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) leaves

Alchornea cordifolia, a half way growing shrub from Africa is very valued by traditional doctors in treating numerous ailments including psychical and nervous troubles. The aim of our study was to investigate the anxiolytic activity of A. cordifolia leaves by estimating the effect of an aqueous extract of this plant upon the spontaneous movements and the exploratory behaviour of laboratory mouse. Study of spontaneous movements (moving, straightening-up, activity duration) was done using an activemeter. To assess the exploratory behaviour, a hole-board test was used. The results showed that all spontaneous movements as rapid moving, rapid straightening-up as well as activity duration of mouse decreased after administration of A. cordifolia in the dose of 2500 mg/kg body weight, p.o. A reduction of exploratory behavior in A. cordifolia 2500 mg/kg body weight p.o-treated mice could also be noticed. Thus, the present findings suggest that A. cordifolia might be a potential candidate for use as an anxiolytic drugin the treatment of neuro-psychical troubles.   Key words: Alchornea cordifolia, anxiolytic activity, spontaneous movement, hole-board test, mouse.