A Comparative in Vivo Study on Bambusa Polymorpha, Mentha Piperita and Clitoria Ternatea as Alternative Anxiolytic

This is a continuation of our “Stress Management with Herbal Alternatives” project whereby we are testing traditionally used herbs to scientifically establish their efficacy as anxiolytics for the 1st time. For the current study Bamboo leaf tea, Mint leaf tea and Clitoral bush petal tea were compared for their anxiolytic potency. Male Swiss albino mice were used to test on Open Field test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) anxiety model. Diazepam (at the dose of 0.25mg/kg body weight) was used as standard and Bangladeshi indigenous bamboo aka Bambusa polymorpha or Bamboo, Mentha piperita or Mint and Clitoria ternatea or Clitoral Bush (at doses of 1g/kg body weight) were the sample. The control group had no intervention. For OFT we tested line crossing, time spent in center, time spent in thigmotaxis and for EPM we measured the number of entry in open and closed hands, time spent in the open and closed hands. Parameters such as rearing, grooming, urination and defecation were also monitored for both tests.The trial results showed Clitoral bush and Mint leaves to have greater anxiolytic activity than Bamboo and Diazepam. Bamboo and Clitoral Bush helped in weight loss, wherelse Diazepam caused weight gain. Based on all criteria, Clitoral bush tea showed highest potential to reduce stress as well as stress related obesity. Results were followed by mint, diazepam and bamboo respectively in their potency for anxiolytic effect.