Anxiolytic Effect and Acute Toxicity of Two Novel Combinations of Plant Extracts - Antistress I and Antistress II on Rats

Anxiety is a significant social problem that could deteriorate the quality of life of individuals. It disturbs the normal circadian rhythms, leading to an increase of cardio-vascular diseases and distortions in the functions of the immune system. Antistress I and Antistress II are herbal combinations containing in different proportions dry extracts obtained from Serratula coronata, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Crataegus monogyna and Melissa officinalis. The present study evaluates the acute toxicity and the anxiolytic effect of these combinations and the individual extracts which they contain after their oral administration to male Wistar rats. Doses of 5g/kg b.w. and 10g/kg b.w. are used for the evaluation of acute toxicity. Assessment of the anxiolytic effect is carried out at three doses – 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. by using the test - Elevated plus maze. The results about the acute toxicity show a survival rate of 100% for all extracts at a dose up to10g/kg b.w. The evaluation of the anxiolytic effect on an acute stress model in rats demonstrates that both combinations Antistress I and Antistress II possess anxiolytic properties which are significant only at the highest dose. The results also give us the reason to conclude that the effect of Antistress II on anxiety is better compared to Antistress I.