EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SWISS WHITE MICE TO EVALUATE THE ANTIANXIETY EFFECT OF COMMON WILD FIG EXTRACT (FICUS THONNINGII)
Innovare Journal of Medical Science, Vol 7, Issue 1, 1-5 Wadioni 2 and comprised two open arms (50 cm×10 cm) across each other and perpendicular to two closed arms (50 cm×10 cm×20 cm) with a central platform (10 cm×10 cm). The closed arms had a high (20 cm) wall to enclose the arm. The entire apparatus was 50 cm above the floor. The apparatus was made of wooden materials, painted black. Experimental procedures Mice were placed in the central square of the plus maze facing the open arm and were then allowed to explore the apparatus for 5 min. The maze was then cleaned with methylated spirit and allowed to dry between tests. Behaviors scored were as follows • Stretch-attend posture: Frequency with which the animal demonstrates forward elongation of the head and shoulders followed by retraction to the original position. • Rearing: Frequency with which the animal stands on its hind legs. • Grooming: Frequency and duration of time that the animal spent licking or scratching itself while stationary. • Defecation: Number of fecal bole produce. • Closed arm entries: Frequency with which the animal enters the closed arms. All four of the mouse paws should be in the closed arms to be regarded as an entry. • Open arm: Time that the animal spent in the open arms. • Closed arm: Time that the animal spent in the closed arms. • Head dipping: Frequency with which the animal lowered its head over the sides of the open arms toward the floor. EPM APPARATUS Statistical analysis Values were shown as mean±standard error of mean. Testing method includes one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant and p<0.001 as highly significant, respectively.