Anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Garcinia indica in mice

Abstract

Background: Anxiety or depressed mood is associated with low levels of serotonin in the brain. A hydroxycitric acid (HCA), constituent of Garcinia indica (GIA), increases serotonin release from isolated rat brain cortex. Aim: To evaluate the anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of dried fruits of GIA in mice. Materials and Methods: The anxiolytic‑like effects of aqueous extract of dried fruits of GIA were evaluated by using elevated plus maze (EPM), hole board and light/dark exploration models in Swiss albino mice. Control mice were treated with an equal volume of saline, and positive control mice were treated with diazepam (1 mg/kg). Results: GIA administered orally, 30 min before the test in different doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight), was able to increase significantly (P < 0.05) the time‑spent and entries into open arms of the EPM and reduced the time‑spent and entries into closed arms versus control. In the hole‑board test, treatment with GIA (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly increased the number of head‑dips and duration of head dipping (P < 0.05). In the light–dark paradigm test, number of transitions and the time spent in the light box increased with reduction in time spent in the dark box and immobility period significantly (P < 0.05) after treatment with GIA. However, no significant changes in locomotor activity were observed versus control. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that aqueous extract of dried fruits of GIA is an effective anxiolytic agent for behavioural models in mice. Key words: Anxiolytic, elevated plus maze, Garcinia indica, light/dark test, locomotor activity