PRECLINICAL EVALUATION OF STRYCHNOS INNOCUA DEL. (LOGANIACEAE) ETHYL ACETATE FRACTION FOR POTENTIAL EFFECT ON ANXIETY AND MOTOR COORDINATION USING LIGHT DARK BOX AND POLE TEST

ABSRTACT Anxiety Disorder are prevalence neurological disorder that affect lives negatively, the onset of anxiety starts from adolescence or early adulthood. Anxiety disorders involve dysfunction in brain circuit that respond to danger. On the other hand, Motor coordination is the ability to coordinate muscle activation in a sequence that preserves posture, coordination of movements and balance regulation are controlled primarily by the integrative function of CNS. The use of pharmacological agents in the treatment of anxiety disorders have fallen out of favor as their unwanted side effects have become evident. These presenting challenges call for an inward look into harnessing the full potential of medicinal plants that abound around us. Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the anxiolytic and motor coordination activity of Strychnos innocua ethyl acetate fraction in mice. Materials and Methods: The prepared fraction at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg as well as 1 and 2mg/kg of diazepam as our standard drug, it was administered orally. Anxiolytic activity of the fraction was explored using light dark box and pole test models. Result: In the light/dark box, the fraction possessed insignificant (P > 0.05) anxiolytic effect by decreasing the time spent in light box. However, the time spent in the dark box increased significantly in the fraction treated groups compared to the standard drug. In the dark box **significant at P