Cnidoscolous aconitifolius promotes anxiolysis in humans. Fresh leaf extracts are claimed to possess greater anxiolytic activity as compared to dry leaf extracts. This study investigated the anxiety alleviating activity of two fresh leaf extracts {aqueous fresh leaf extract (AFLE) and methanolic fresh leaf extract (MFLE)} and a dry leaf extract {methanolic dry leaf extract (MFLE)} of C. acontifolius. Swiss albino mice (18-22 g) of both sexes were randomly allotted to eighteen groups (n=6 each). Groups 1-4 received graded doses (6.25-50 mg/kg) of aqueous fresh leaf extract of C. aconitifolius; group 5-8 received graded doses (6.25-50 mg/kg) of methanolic fresh leaf extract of C. aconitifolius, while group 9-12 received graded doses (6.25-50 mg/kg) of methanolic dry leaf extract of C. aconitifolius; group 13- 14 received 10 mL/kg of normal saline, and 0.3 mg/kg diazepam, respectively. The hole board test and the elevated plus maze test were employed in screening these compounds for anxiolytic activity. All drugs and test compounds were administered via the intraperitoneal route. There was statistically significant inhibition of head dips and increased open arm exploration time by AFLE and MFLE as compared to normal saline treated groups. However, MDLE treated groups mean frequencies were not different from the normal saline treated groups. The comparison of the activities of AFLE, MFLE and MDLE showed AFLE>MFLE>MDLE in producing anxiolysis in mice. The use of fresh leaf extracts of C. aconitifolius to treat anxiety is therefore justified owing to its proven greater activity against anxiety in mice.

Keywords: Anxiolytic, Cnidoscolous aconitifolius, anxiolysis.