Anxiolytic and sedative properties of hydroethanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis leaves in mice

Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f., Cucurbitaceae, is a leafy vegetable used in soup and folk medicine in southern Nigeria. This study was conducted to investigate the anxiolytic and sedative activities of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of T. occidentalis in mice. The hole-board, elevated plus maze, open-field, light-dark, and social interaction tests were used in this study. T. occidentalis (50-400 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) were administered p.o. to different groups of mice and appropriate observations were made. T. occidentalis increased the number of sectional crossings (p<0.01) and duration of head dips (p<0.05) at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively; increased number of entries into open arms (p<0.01) at the dose of 100 mg/kg; increased number of central squares crossed (p<0.01) at the dose of 50 mg/kg; and increased number of social interactions (p<0.001) at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. At the dose of 400 mg/kg, T. occidentalis reduced number of head dips and sectional crossings (p<0.01); reduced time spent in open arms and increased time spent in closed arms (p<0.01, 0.001) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; reduced number of assisted rearings (p<0.001) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; increased latency of entry into and time spent in dark box (p<0.01, 0.001) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg; and reduced number of social interactions (p<0.001) at the dose of 400 mg/kg. The findings in this study suggest that T. occidentalis possess anxiolytic property at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, and sedative activity at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg.