EVALUATION OF THE ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF CURCUMIN AGAINST LEAD INDUCED ANXIETY IN RATS

Present research work was performed to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of curcumin against lead induced anxiety in rat. Anti-anxiety potentials of the curcumin were compared with diazepam. Lead poisoning induced severe behavioral abnormalities in experimental animals. Rats of either sex were divided into 12 groups of 6 animals in each group. Group were DMSO, Distilled Water, Saline water, Lead acetate 25mg/kg, Diazepam 2mg/kg, Curcumin 25mg/kg, Curcumin 50mg/kg, Diazepam 2mg/kg + lead acetate, Curcumin 25mg + lead acetate, Curcumin 50mg + lead acetate, Diazepam 2mg/kg + Curcumin 50mg and Diazepam 2mg/kg + Curcumin 50mg + lead acetate. All the test solutions were freshly prepared daily and administered to animals for 5 days by interaperitonial (i.p.) route. On first day, third day and fifth day, each animal was checked to anxiety by using elevated zero maze. Our result showed that Lead acetate induced more anxiety and fear-related behavior in rat. Curcumin 50mg/kg reduced and prevent the anxiety behavior, which induced by lead. Curcumin 50mg/kg is sufficient dose to give anxiolytic and neuroprotective activity against lead induced anxiety in rats. Curcumin is less potent than diazepam and Curcumin 50mg/kg with diazepam give synergetic anxiolytic activity against lead induced anxiety in rat.