LINK BETWEEN ANTI-OXIDANT, URINARY REDOX POTENTIAL AND ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA AND WITHANIA SOMNIFERA COMPLEX

Amruthavalli G. V.*, Aruna V. and Gayathri R.

ABSTRACT

The paper deals with the strong relationship between anti-oxidant effect, urinary redox potential and anxiolytic property of Centella asiatica and Withania somnifera. Bio-autography studies have revealed several fragments of above plants to have strong anti-oxidant effect. A detailed anxiolytic study using well proven pharmacological methods such as open maze, rota rod, force swim test along with the behavioral aspects of mice has shown the strong anxiolytic property of the above herbs. In our separate pilot experiment, we have seen increased urinary redox potential being induced by the above plants. The role of anti-oxidants in depression and the possibility of anti-oxidant increasing urinary potential are well known. In the above circumstances we believe there is a link that exist between anti-oxidant property, urinary redox potential and anxiolytic effect. Details are presented in the paper.

Keywords: Centella asiatica and Withania somnifera.