Anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of different methanolic extracts of Melia azedarach Linn.

Present study was planned to search for neuropharmacological properties of methanolic extracts of different parts of Melia azedarach Linn. because conventional medicine shows adverse effects. Recently natural products are studied worldwide, as safer alternatives, which are not duly supported with scientifically proved data. Melia azedarach (Bakayan, China berry tree) is medium sized tree belonging to family Meliaceae. Traditional use of plant is as anthelmintic, antilithic and diuretic. Topical application of oil for cramps and rheumatism is beneficial. Methanolic extract of flowers (BFM), twigs (BTM) and roots (BKB) were the test drugs to study different activities on NMRI mice. This is the first report regarding CNS activity of Melia flowers. Significant anxiolytic activity (p=0.000) of extract of flowers (BFM) and of roots (BKB) (p=0.002) was determined by "elevated plus maze" and "Light and dark activity box". Antidepressant activity was seen by BFM (p=0.000) in "forced swim test". Diazepam and Imipramine were used as positive controls respectively. In conclusion flower extract have shown very powerful anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity and cytotoxic potential of twigs cannot be ruled out.