Pothos scandens belongs to family Araceae, and it is a medicinal climbing plant. It has been traditionally used for treating various health conditions, including inflammation, wounds, convulsions, and nervous disorders. The potential role of Pothos scandens in reducing the anxiety has not been studied. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity of Pothos scandens using its leaves extracts performing on zebrafish and Wistar rat models.

The leaves were collected, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted. Qualitative phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of chemical constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, steroids, and terpenoids. These compounds consist various pharmacological properties and they may posses’ effect on the nervous system.

The anti-anxiety activity was analysed by observing behavioral changes such as swimming pattern, freezing behavior, locomotor activity, and time spent in different zones. Animals are ingested with the extracts indicated anti-anxiety-like responses compared with the control group. Among all the extracts ingested, the alcoholic extract produced the most significant anti-anxiety effect and showed activity comparable to the standard drug diazepam.