Evaluation of the protective effect of ethanolic extract of seed kernel of Caesalpinia bonducella Flem (EECB) on forced swimming-induced chronic fatigue syndrome in mice

Abstract

Objective: To study the protective effect of Ethanolic extract of seed kernal of caessalpinia bonducella Flem on forced swimming-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in mice. Materials and Methods: Male albino mice of 25–40 g were grouped into five groups taking 5 mice in each group. Group A served as naive control, Group B as stress control, and Group C and D received EECB at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Group E was given the standard drug (imipramine 20 mg/kg). All animals received their respective agent orally daily for 7 days. Except for Group A animals, animals in all other groups were subjected to force swimming 6 min daily for 7 days to induce a state of chronic fatigue. Animals were assessed for duration of immobility on day 1, 3, 5, and 7. Level of anxiety (elevated plus maze and mirrored chamber test) and locomotor activity (open field test) were assessed 24 h after the last force swimming which was followed by estimation of oxidative biomarkers in brain homogenate. Results: Treatment with EECB (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and imipramine resulted in statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in anxiety and duration of immobility, and there was significant increase in locomotor activity when compared to stress control group. Significant reduction in malondialdehyde level and increase in catalase level were seen in EECB and imipramine-treated group compared to stress control group. Conclusion: The study confirms that EECB has protective effect against experimentally induced CFS.