ANSIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF MICONIA ALBICANS LEAVES EXTRACT

Abstract

Miconia albicans popularly known as “canela de velho is an arboreal species, belonging to the family Melastomaceae, with distribution in tropical regions and with described antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, despite its popular use there are no studies related to its possible anxiolytic effect of this plant species. Thus, the objective of the work was to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of M.albicans in an animal model. Three different concentrations of the crude extract of M. albicans were administered intraperitoneally and the effects on the central nervous system were analyzed using the elevated plus maze test, open field test and light-dark box. In the open field test, greater displacement of animals was observed with increased concentrations of extracts and suspension of self-cleaning behavior. Animals treated with miconia extract explored more open arms in the elevated cross test and had longer latency times in the light-dark test. In view of these results, it was possible to verify anxiolytic effects in animals treated with M. albicans and that further studies should be carried out in order to identify the substance responsible for the effects observed in this work.

KEYWORDS: anxiolytic effects, anxiety, elevated plus maze.