Comparative evaluation of the antianxiety effects of Vitamin C, buspirone, and diazepam in rats

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is one of the common mental disorders. Non-fatal health loss is one of the consequences of anxiety disorders. Oxidative stress may also play a role in anxiety disorders. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C can create stable ascorbate free radicals and lower reactive oxygen species. In addition, Vitamin C can prevent damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress can also lead to depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objectives of the study are to compare the antianxiety effects of Vitamin C, buspirone, and diazepam in albino rats using elevated plus maze and hole board apparatus. Materials and Methods: 36 albino rats of either sex were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each and drugs were administered orally. Group 1 received distilled water 10 ml/kg, Group 2 received Vitamin C 200 mg/kg, Group 3 received buspirone 10 mg/kg, Group 4 received diazepam 1 mg/kg, Group 5 received buspirone 10 mg/kg + Vitamin C 200 mg/kg, and Group 6 received diazepam 1 mg/kg + Vitamin C 200 mg/kg. Antianxiety effects of these drugs were tested after 14 days of drug administration using hole board apparatus and elevated plus maze. The methods used for statistical analysis were mean, standard deviation, confidence interval, median, interquartile range (IQR), frequency and percentage, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Fisher’s exact test. Results: On average time spent in open arms by Group 5 was 98.00 sec (IQR: 19.75–138.00) which was higher than other groups, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.845). The time spent in closed arms in seconds by Group 4 was 245 ± 28.863, which was higher than other groups, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0. 805). On average head dip by Group 5 was 9.83 ± 4.708, which was higher than other groups, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.141). Conclusion: Group 5 rats that received buspirone and Vitamin C, followed by Group 6 rats that received diazepam and Vitamin C had spent more time and had more entries into the open arms. Furthermore, Groups 5 and 6 animals had a greater number of head dips in the hole board apparatus compared to the behavior of all animals in other groups. Buspirone and diazepam are known anxiolytics. When these drugs were given in combination with Vitamin C, the antianxiety behaviors in rats were more compared to the drugs given alone in the present study but it was not statistically significant.