Neekhra et al, IJPSR, 2014; Vol. 5(9): 4067-4071. E-ISSN: 0975-8232; P-ISSN: 2320-5148 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 4067 IJPSR (2014), Vol. 5, Issue 9 (Research Article) Received on 10 March, 2014; received in revised form, 07 May, 2014; accepted, 07 June, 2014; published 01 September, 2014 ASSESSMENT OF ANXIOLYTIC POTENTIAL OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS Sachin Neekhra 1 , Vaibhav Jain 1 , Priyal Jain 1 , Supriya Jain 2 , Som Akshay Jain 3 , Neeraj Kumar Garg 4 , Atul Jain 5 and Ashay Jain *5 Sagar Institute of Research Technology & Science 1 , Pharmacy Bhopal (M.P.) - 462041 India. Shri Ravishankar college of Pharmacy 2 , Bhopal (M.P.), India. Department of Anasesthesological, Surgical and Emergency Sciences 3 , Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences 4 , Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Bhagyoday Tirth Pharmacy College 5 , Khurai Road, Sagar (M.P.), India. ABSTRACT: Spirulina platensis, planktonic blue-green algae, has been used as a source of protein (60-70%) and vitamin supplement for more than 15 years without any unknown adverse events. Traditionally, Spirulina platensis has been used as an antioxidant agent. However, no pharmacological work has been done to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity. The present study was premeditated for the evaluation of the anti-anxiety activity of Spirulina platensis. Elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark models were used to evaluate the anti-anxiety potential of Spirulina platensis in Swiss albino mice. Albino mice were treated orally with diverse doses of the Spirulina platensis (i.e. 300 and 400 mg/kg). Diazepam (2 mg/kg, IP) was used as a standard drug. In conclusion, 400 mg/kg dose of Spirulina platensis showed a significant anti anxiety activity (P<0.05) while control group was near to standard group. It concludes that Spirulina platensis could be useful as an anti-anxiety agent for future prospects. INTRODUCTION: Anxiety is an exaggerated feeling of apprehension, uncertainty and fear. It is an unpleasant state of tension with an anticipation of imminent danger. 1 Anxiety affects most of the population nearly one-eighth of the total population world-wide. Benzodiazepines are being major class of compounds used for treatment of anxiety. However, the clinical uses of benzodiazepines are limited by their side effects such as psychomotor impairment, potentiating of other central depressant drugs and dependence liability. QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(9).4067-71 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(9).4067-71 It has prompted researchers to investigate alternative medicine having less undesirable effects. 2 Spirulina also called arthospira which is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium (blue green algae) that has a long history of use as food. Spirulina contains 50-70% protein by weight and is a rich source of vitamins especially vitamin B 12 (β- carotene provitamin A), vitamin E. It also contains carbohydrates like- rhamnose, fructose, ribose, mannose and some minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc, potassium and iron. 3 Several studies have shown ability of Spirulina or its extracts as a potent anti-viral, 4-6 anti-cancer, 7,8 hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, 9 antidiabetic 10 and health improvement agent. Spirulina platensis is gaining attention as a nutraceutical and a source Keywords: Anxiety, Spirulina platensis, Diazepam, Elevated plus maze, Light- dark model. Correspondence to Author: Ashay Jain Assistant . Professor Bhagyoday Tirth Pharmacy college, Khurai Road, Sagar (M.P.) -470001 India. E-mail: jain.ashay@gmail.com