Anxiolytic testing of medicinal plants in nigeria: Frequently used experimental models

Abstract

Psychopharmacology, especially behavioral studies is attracting increasing interest of researchers because of lower quality of life, and higher prevalence of mental disorders such as anxiety in Nigeria. Various experimental animal models have been used successfully to demonstrate the anxiolytic property of medicinal plants. Techniques such as open field test, elevated plus maze, staircase test method, light, and dark box test, hole-board test, and beam walking assay are available and functioning effectively in various pharmaceutical research centers and higher education institutions in Nigeria. Consequently, this has led to the advancement in the field of behavioral studies. Furthermore, these experimental models are easy to operate, and in many instances, yielded promising and reproducible results. However, the accuracy and the validity of the outcome depend on the experience of the researcher, familiarization with laboratory animals and in-depth knowledge of animal psychology. It is recommended that experimental models of anxiolytic testing can be improved by making an automated apparatus connected to digital watches, video cameras and computers available in Nigeria. The primary goal of this paper is to discuss the most commonly available experimental models in the evaluation of the anxiolytic activity of medicinal plants in Nigeria and to give a recommendation for further improvement and drug development.