Potency-Specific Anxiolytic Effects Of Homeopathic Plumbum Metallicum In A Murine Light-Dark Box Model

Abstract

Background:
The light-dark box test is a widely used behavioural model for assessing anxiety in rodents, based on their aversion to bright areas and preference for dark, enclosed spaces. Plumbum metallicum, a classical homeopathic remedy with known neurobehavioral indications, was evaluated for anxiolytic-like effects using this model.

Objective:
To investigate the anxiolytic potential of Plumbum metallicum in mice at different potencies (6C, 30C, 200C) and compare its effects with standard anxiogenic (PTZ) and anxiolytic (diazepam) controls.

Methods:
Adult male Swiss Albino mice(n=36) were divided into six groups: Control, PTZ (80 mg/kg), Diazepam (4 mg/kg) + PTZ, and Plumbum metallicum (6C, 30C, 200C) + PTZ. Remedies were administered orally for 14 days prior to PTZ administration. Behavioral parameters recorded included time in light, number of transitions, latency to enter the dark compartment, and time spent in darkness.

Results:
PTZ significantly increased anxiety-like behavior, while diazepam reversed these effects. Plumbum metallicum showed a clear potency-dependent anxiolytic effect. Mice treated with 6C, 30C, and 200C spent 65, 95, and 135 seconds in the light respectively, made 4, 7, and 10 transitions, showed latencies of 6, 9, and 13 seconds to enter the dark compartment, and spent 195, 165, and 125 seconds in the dark.

Conclusion:
Chronic administration of Plumbum metallicum, especially at 200C, significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior in mice, with results comparable to diazepam. These findings support the potential of high-potency homeopathic remedies in neurobehavioral research using validated models.