Abstract
There are few studies on the neuropharmacological properties of asparagus, which was applied in Chinese traditional medicine as a tonic and heat-clearing agent. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic-like activity of the aqueous extract of asparagus stem (AEAS) using elevated plus maze (EPM) and Vogel conflict tests (VCT) in mice. AEAS significantly increased the percentage of time spent in open arms in EPM, when compared with control group. In the Vogel conflict drinking test, the numbers of punished licks increased to 177% and 174% by the treatment of AEAS at the doses of 1.5 and 3.0 g/kg (250 and 500 mg sarsasapogenin per kilogram of body weight), compared with control group. The serum cortisol level decreased significantly, at the same time. In conclusion, these findings indicated that the aqueous extract of asparagus stem exhibited a strong anxiolytic-like effect at dose of 1.5 and 3.0 g/kg (250 and 500 mg sarsasapogenin per kilogram of body weight) in experimental models of anxiety and may be considered an alternative approach for the management of anxiety disorder.
Highlights
Anxiety and related disorders, most common mental illnesses worldwide, represent a prominent healthcare problem [1,2,3,4]
The literature survey revealed that the steroidal saponins are the main biologically active constituents of Asparagus
Reports suggest that sarsasapogenin from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Liliaceae) exile antidepressant activity by mediation of the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems [15, 16]
Summary
Most common mental illnesses worldwide, represent a prominent healthcare problem [1,2,3,4]. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that anxiety and related disorders will become the second leading cause of disability in both developed and developing countries by the year 2020 [5]. Benzodiazepines are among the first line of drugs that have been extensively used to treat several forms of anxiety [6]. Benzodiazepines have well-known benefits, their side effects are prominent [7]. Interest in alternative medicine and plant-derived functional food to conquer stress and promote relaxation has increased recently. The concept of a relaxation drink first emerged in Japan in 2005 [8]
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