Effect of Ethanol Extract Leaves of Nymphaea Lotus (Water Lily) on Fear and Anxiety Behaviour in Mice

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the leave extract of Nymphaea lotus on neuro-behaviour using mice as experimental model on fear/anxiety. Twenty seven mice weighing between 20-29 g were randomly selected into A, B and C groups for the study. Prior to the assessment of these neurobehavioral parameters, the phytochemical screening of the plant and the LD50 were analyzed. The elevated plus maze was used to access anxiety/fear related behaviours. Our findings showed that N. lotus extract reduces fear/anxiety related behavior, this was so because, the time spent in the open arm was increased significantly (p<0.01 respectively) in the mice that were treated with the leave extract, the head dips showed similar results. However, the number of fecal boles, frequency of SAP and close arm duration were decreased in the mice treated groups compared to control (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively. In conclusion, the leaves of Nymphaea lotus may be responsible for the reduced level of anxiety and fear we found in the treated mice.