Comparative Study of Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts Of Spondias Mombin on Neurobehaviour in Male Rats

Abstract

Remedies for anxiety and fear have been investigated through both orthodox and traditional medicine; this study compared the effects of chronic administration of graded doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Spondias mombin on anxiety and fear in Albino Wistar rats. Fifty rats of Wistar strain (100-120g body weight) were divided into five major groups A-E with each group made up of ten rats (n=10). Spondias mombin (250, 400,500 and 800mg/kg) were orally administered for 4 weeks before testing. The elevated plus maze was used to assess anxiety behaviour. Following administration of graded doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Spondias mombin for a period of four weeks, decreased anxiety and fear in the albino rats was revealed (p<0.05). The order of the anxiolytic property following these graded dose of administration was; duration and frequency in open arm of the 500mg/kg group was significantly higher (90.2 ± 37.2s & 4.4 ± 1.29/5min respectively) compared to control, and other treatment groups of Spondias mombin (P< 0.05). Duration in closed arm (260.33 ± 15.97s) was significantly lower compared to control. Closed arms frequency with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg ethanol extract were 3 .83 ± 1.74/5min and 3.16 ± 1.40/5min. The extracts were significantly (P<0.05) lower compared with control (8.67 ± 1.05/5min). However, the 500mg/kg ethanol extract showed a lower frequency. The duration of grooming following four weeks of treatment with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg ethanol extract of Spondias mombin were 8.68 ± 2.10s and 12. 1 ± 0.001s respectively and these were significantly lower compared to control. Spondias mombin dose-dependently decreased anxiety and fear with significant decrease observed in rats administered with ethanolic extracts of Spondias mombin. Anxiolytic effect is shown by decrease in the frequency of grooming and duration of grooming, decrease in frequency of head dipping and stretch attempt posture (SAP), and a lower frequency of close arm entry by the experimental groups. Ethanolic extract from Spondias mombin produced better behavioral effects with decreased anxiety and fear compared to the aqueous extract and so has a potential as an alternative anxiolytic and sedative agent compared to its aqueous extract.