Absence of anxiolytic activity of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruit extract

Abstract

Introduction: 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 activity of ethanolic fruit extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius in mice. Materials
and Methods: The prepared extract at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg as well as 2.5 mg/kg
of diazepam reference standard was administered orally. Anxiolytic activity of the extract
was explored using elevated plus‑maze and open‑field models. Result: In the elevated
plus‑maze, the extract possessed insignificant (P > 0.05) anxiolytic effect by decreasing
the time spent in open arms and entries into the open arms. However, the time spent
in the closed arms increased significantly in the extract treated groups compared to
the reference standard. In the open‑field model, no significant (P > 0.05) locomotor
activity was observed in the extract groups. The number of locomotion was less in the
extract groups compared the reference standard having the highest locomotive activity.
Furthermore, there were reduction in the number of rearing at extract doses of 400 and
600 mg/kg compared with the normal saline and reference standard. Conclusion: The
results of this study showed that the ethanolic fruit extract of S. latifolius lack anxiolytic
activity