Anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of ethanolic root extract of Carica papaya in mice

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of ethanolic root extract of Carica papaya in mice. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic activity was observed using behavior paradigms such as elevated plus maze, Ymaze, open field test, and hole board apparatus, while the hypnotic activity was assessed by sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis in mice. In elevated plus maze and Y maze, the animals were treated with the extract at dose (75 and 150 mg/kg) po for 7 days and were observed on 7th day of treatment. Anxiolytic activity using open-field apparatus and in sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, the effects were observed on day 1, 7, 15, and 30 days of treatment. Results and Discussion: In the elevated plus maze, there was an increase in the number of entries and time spent in the open arm. In Y maze decrease in the number of visits to three arms was observed. In the hole board test observed increase in the number of head dippings. In sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, there is a significant increase in the duration of sleep and a decrease in the latency of sleep. The anxiolytic and hypnotic effects were substantially greater at dose 150 mg/kg in comparison to dose 75 mg/kg. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that ethanolic C. papaya root extract might have significant anxiolytic and hypnotic activity.