Effect of Bacopa Monnieri on ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety in wistar rats

Background & Objective: Bacopa Monnieri (BM) is known to have general anxiolytic properties. However, its possible anxiolytic effect in ethanol withdrawal induced anxiety is not yet identified. This study was done to evaluate the effect of BM on ethanol-induced anxiolysis and withdrawal anxiety in Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 126 rats were included in the study. Elevated plus maze and bright and dark arena were used to assess the anxiolytic action. Actophotometer paradigm was used to assess the locomotor activity in rats. BM was given orally in doses of 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg & ethanol was given in dose 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of single doses of BM and ethanol. Ethanol withdrawal was induced in rats by giving ethanol as the sole drinking solution at 5% solution and gradually increasing to 10% solution for 15 days followed by 3-day withdrawal period. A similar cycle of ethanol withdrawal was repeated to increase the intensity of ethanol withdrawal symptoms. Results: Anxiolytic action seen with BM 100, 200, 400 mg/kg doses and ethanol 0.5 g/kg dose. Beneficial effect of BM 100, 200, 400 mg/kg seen even in ethanol withdrawal induced anxiety. CNS depressant action was observed with ethanol at doses 1 and 1.5 g/kg, but not with BM 400 mg/kg dose as demonstrated in actophotometer paradigm. Conclusion: BM in doses 100, 200, 400 mg/kg showed anxiolytic action in ethanol withdrawal induced anxiety in rats with no CNS depressant action even at 400 mg/kg. Ethanol at 1 and 1.5 g/kg doses showed CNS depressant action.