Evaluation of antianxiety activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) in albino mice

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is a normal emotional behavior, however, becomes pathological precipitating cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders when it is severe. Many allopathic drugs are available to treat anxiety disorders, among which benzodiazepines are most commonly used which possess various systemic side effects. Aims and Objectives: In our study, we have attempted to evaluate new compound Ocimum sanctum (OS) in the hope of identifying the anxiolytics with fewer side effects as many plant products have been claimed to be free from side effects and less toxic than synthetic drugs. Materials and Methods: The anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of OS is evaluated with two validated modes, elevated plus maze and light and dark exploration test. A total of 60 animals (n = 60) were used. They were divided into five groups of six animals each for both models. The effects of the test drug OS at three different doses 1.75, 4.25, and 8.5 mg/kg were compared with the standard anxiolytic diazepam at 1 mg/kg dose and control group using 1% gum acacia at 10 ml/kg dose 1 h after administration of the drug. Results: The behavioral changes in both paradigms are suggestive of decreased anxiety, decreased aversion to light and increased exploratory behavior of the animal which is comparable changes produced by the standard drug diazepam concluding that OS has anxiolytic activity. Conclusion: OS has potential clinical application in the management of anxiety disorders. Further investigation of the mechanism/mechanisms of action of the plant extract, as well as the active substance/substances responsible for its biological actions, is necessary.

Experimental evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of methanolic extract of Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) in albino mice

“…The light-dark box test is based on the inherent nature of mice to avoid brightly illuminated places. Manu et al reported that with the use of anxiolytic the time spent in the light compartment found to be increased [22]. In the present study META200 and 400mg/kg showed significant dose-dependent increase in entries and stay in the open arms in EPM and entries and stay in the light compartment in LDB as compared to control.…”

Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Potentials of the Chewing Stick, Salvadora persica

“…This apparatus, elevated from the floor, comprises two open arms and two closed arms, which have been extended from a central platform. In general, the mice were selected and classified into groups, as mentioned as follows: Group I (control): mice ( n = 6) received normal saline orally (NaCl, 0.9% 10 ml/kg) Group II (standard): mice ( n = 6) received an oral injection of 1 mg/kg [ 18 ] Group III (test): mice ( n = 6) received 500 mg/kg of aqueous Sp extract orally [ 19 ] Group IV (test): mice ( n = 6) received 500 mg/kg of Sp ethyl acetate extract orally [ 20 ] …”

“…Group I (control): mice (n � 6) received normal saline orally (NaCl, 0.9% 10 ml/kg) Group II (standard): mice (n � 6) received an oral injection of 1 mg/kg [18] Group III (test): mice (n � 6) received 500 mg/kg of aqueous Sp extract orally [19] Group IV (test): mice (n � 6) received 500 mg/kg of Sp ethyl acetate extract orally [20] Te mice were placed separately in the maze's centre, head facing towards the open arm. Te number of entries in the open and closed arms and the total time spent in open and closed arms, respectively, were recorded for 5 min (entry into an arm is described as the animal placing all four paws onto the arm).…”