Anxiolytic effects of the extracts of Zingiber officinale in mice

Zingiber officinale belonging to Zingiberaceae family is used worldwide as a cooking spice, condiment and herbal remedy. This study was taken up to investigate the anxiolytic activity of alcohol and water extracts of the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale.in mice, by behavioral tests like elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) which will serve as the basis for assessing anxiolytic effect. Three doses viz. 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt. of 70% ethanol and water extracts were administered; i.p. to mice one hour before carrying out the tests. Diazepam (1 mg/kg body wt.) was taken as the standard anxiolytic drug. The animals administered with extracts at the levels of 200 and 400mg/kg body wt. Diazepam showed a significant increase in the time spent and total entries in the open arms of the EPM and increase in locomotor activity in OFT. However, extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight demonstrated significant increase in the time spent in the centre of the field. The results of the study suggest that the extracts possess promising anxiolytic activity and the extract may be regarded as a potent nutraceutical for treating anxiety.