Anti-anxiety Effects Research Articles

Electroacupuncture Inhibits Pain Memory and Related Anxiety-Like Behaviors by Blockading the GABAB Receptor Function in the Midcingulate Cortex

Pain memory is commonly considered an underlying cause of chronic pain and is also responsible for a range of anxiety. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to ameliorate pain memories and exert anti-anxiety effects. Previous research has indicated that GABAergic neurons and/or GABA receptors (GABARs) in the midcingulate cortex (MCC) have potential associations with chronic pain and anxiety. However, there is no known empirical research that has specifically studied the effects of EA on the GABAergic system in the MCC. Here, we used cross-injection of carrageenan to establish the pain memory rats model. Immunofluorescence were used to detect the excitability of GABAergic neurons within MCC. Von Frey filament, elevated zero maze, and open field tests were used to measure mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors, combined with chemogenetic and pharmacologic technologies. Finally, this study provides evidence that pain memories contribute to generalized negative emotions and that downregulating the activity of GABAergic neurons within MCC could block pain memories and reverse anxiety emotion. Specifically, GABABR is involved in pain memory and related anxiety-like behaviors. Activation of GABAergic neurons in the MCC did not reverse the effects of EA on pain memories and related anxiety-like behaviors, whereas these effects could be reversed by a GABABR agonist. These findings highlight the functional significance of GABABR in the EA-mediated attenuation of pain memories and related anxiety-like behaviors in rats.

Anxiolytic effects of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat Carbonisata-based carbon dots in mCPP-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice: a nature-inspired approach.

Introduction: Anxiety disorders have emerged as a predominant health concern, yet existing pharmacological treatments for anxiety still present various challenges. Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat Carbonisata (CMRC) has been utilized in China for approximately 400years as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety disorders. In this study, a novel type of carbon dots derived from the decoction of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat Carbonisata (CMRC-CDs) was identified and isolated, and their morphological structure and functional groups were characterized. Furthermore, the effects of CMRC-CDs on m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP)-induced anxiety-like behaviour in mice were examined and quantified. In order to investigate the potential mechanisms of their anxiolytic effects, concentrations of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormones, amino acid neurotransmitters, and monoamine neurotransmitters were measured. Methods: In this study, we synthesized CMRC-CDs and evaluated their potential anti-anxiety effects in a controlled experiment involving 48 male ICR mice. The mice were randomly divided into six groups, treated with CMRC-CDs at different doses for 14days, and subjected to Open-Field (OF) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) tests. Post-behavioral evaluations, blood samples and brain tissues were collected for neurotransmitter and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis hormone quantification via ELISA. Additionally, cytotoxicity of CMRC-CDs was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay on RAW 264.7 cells. Results and Discussion: CMRC-CDs were spherical and homogeneously dispersed, with diameters ranging from 1.4 to 4.0nm and an abundance of chemical groups on their surface. In the open-field (OF) test, mice pre-treated with CMRC-CDs demonstrated an increased proportion of time spent in the central area and a higher frequency of entries into the central area. In the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, mice pre-treated with CMRC-CDs exhibited a greater number of entries into the open arm and an extended duration spent in the open arm. CMRC-CDs were observed to decrease serum concentrations of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT). Furthermore, CMRC-CDs were found to increase γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels, while concurrently reducing glutamic acid (Glu) concentrations in brain tissue. CMRC-CDs demonstrated anxiolytic effects, which may be attributed to their modulation of hormones and neurotransmitters. This finding suggests the potential therapeutic value of CMRC-CDs in the clinical treatment of anxiety disorders.

Masturbation and its consequences in the light of scientific ideas and empirical data

Information is presented on the dynamics of attitudes toward masturbation in relation to changing perceptions about its possible pathogenicity. For many centuries, masturbation was thought to be extremely harmful and such that could lead to the development of many diseases. Over time, attitudes about the severity of the possible negative consequences of masturbation have softened. At first, the most severe ones were excluded, and then, over time, the prevailing view was that masturbation could not lead to any negative results other than feelings of guilt. This article presents the classification of masturbation according to Vasilchenko (1977). The analysis of this classification shows that in the majority of cases it has no negative influence. Moreover, masturbation of the period of youthful hypersexuality promotes sexual development, and vicarious masturbation has a substitute function. At the same time, perseverative-compulsive masturbation is carried out in a mode significantly exceeding the constitutional optimum. The classification of possible adverse effects of masturbation developed by the author of the article is also presented (Kocharyan, 2006, 2007). In our opinion, the combined use of these two classifications of masturbation allows to estimate the possibility of its influence, including pathogenic one, on a human body in complex, because different kinds of masturbation (including of the period of youthful hypersexuality according to Vasilchenko classification) in some cases can have negative influence on a human body (at present mostly through behavioral mechanisms). It is noted that masturbation, however, can also have positive effects. In particular, it is expressed in the fact that it can promote sexual development, perform a compensatory function. It also has an antidepressant and anti-anxiety effect. It is widely used to treat various sexual disorders. Based on the analysis, the author concludes that masturbation should not be excluded from the list of phenomena responsible for the occurrence of human health disorders. Attempts to fully rehabilitate it in this sense are untrue.

Association of Zingiber Aromaticum Vaal. With Zerumbone and Its Biological Activity : A Literature Review

The main objective of this article is to explore the available classified information on Zingiber aromaticum Val. Rhizome and its active compound, Zerumbone. Throughout history, this plant has been utilized to treat various ailments such as abdominal disorders, cough, anemia, malaria, jaundice, arthritis, and infections. Recently, Zerumbone, a sesquiterpene compound found in the rhizomes, has gained attention for its biological activity. This article reviews the current research on the pharmacological activities of Z. aromaticum Val. Rhizome, with a specific focus on its active component, Zerumbone.This review found that the antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of Zerumbone play a role in the pharmacological effects exhibited by Z. aromaticum, such as antidiabetic, antiparasitic, anti-hyperlipidemia, antianxiety, and antiaging effects. Additionally, the correlation between the biological activity of Zerumbone and the pharmacological activity of Z. aromaticum extract is discussed. This review provides a valuable reference for developing and further researching Zingiber aromaticum Val. and Zerumbone in medical treatments.

Acorus tatarinowii Schott: A Review of Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology.

Acorus tatarinowii Schott (A. tatarinowii) is a natural medicinal plant. It plays an indispensable role in the treatment of diseases by the empirical medicine system and has achieved remarkable curative effects. A. tatarinowii is often used to treat various diseases, such as depression, epilepsy, fever, dizziness, heartache, stomachache, etc. More than 160 compounds of different structural types have been identified in A. tatarinowii, including phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, amides, and organic acids. These bioactive ingredients make A. tatarinowii remarkable for its pharmacological effects, including antidepressant, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, antianxiety, neuroprotective, antifatigue, and antifungal effects, improving Alzheimer's disease, and so on. It is noteworthy that A. tatarinowii has been widely used in the treatment of brain diseases and nervous system diseases and has achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects. This review focused on the research publications of A. tatarinowii and aimed to summarize the advances in the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology, which will provide a reference for further studies and applications of A. tatarinowii.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates polystyrene microplastics-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice by modulating gut microbe homeostasis

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have emerged as a concerning pollutant in modern society due to their widespread production and usage. Despite ongoing research efforts, the impact of PS-MPs on mammalian behavior and the mechanisms driving these effects remain incompletely elucidated. Consequently, effective strategies for prevention have yet to be developed. To fill these gaps, C57BL/6 mice were orally administered with 5 μm PS-MPs for 28 consecutive days in this study. The open-field test and the elevated plus-maze test were performed to evaluate the anxiety-like behavior, 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis were used to detect the changes of gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Our results indicated that PS-MPs exposure activated hippocampal inflammation and induced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Meanwhile, PS-MPs disturbed the gut microbiota, impaired the intestinal barrier, and aroused peripheral inflammation. Specifically, PS-MPs increased the abundance of pathogenic microbiota Tuzzerella, while lowered the abundance of probiotics Faecalibaculum and Akkermansia. Interestingly, eliminating the gut microbiota protected against the deleterious effects of PS-MPs on intestinal barrier integrity, reduced the levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokines, and ameliorated anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, green tea's primary bioactive constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), optimized gut microbial composition, improved intestinal barrier function, reduced peripheral inflammation, and exerted anti-anxiety effects by inhibiting the hippocampal TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling cascade. EGCG also remodeled serum metabolism, especially modulated purine metabolism. These findings suggested that gut microbiota participates in PS-MPs-induced anxiety-like behavior by modulating the gut-brain axis, and that EGCG could serve as a potential preventive strategy.

Paraventricular nucleus-central amygdala oxytocinergic projection modulates pain-related anxiety-like behaviors in mice.

Anxiety disorders associated with pain are a common health problem. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the role of paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) oxytocinergic projections in anxiety-like behaviors induced by inflammatory pain. After inflammatory pain induction by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), mice underwent elevated plus maze, light-dark transition test, and marble burying test to examine the anxiety-like behaviors. Chemogenetic, optogenetic, and fiber photometry recordings were used to modulate and record the activity of the oxytocinergic projections of the PVN-CeA. The key results are as follows: inflammatory pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice accompanied by decreased activity of PVN oxytocin neurons. Chemogenetic activation of PVN oxytocin neurons prevented pain-related anxiety-like behaviors, whereas inhibition of PVN oxytocin neurons induced anxiety-like behaviors in naïve mice. PVN oxytocin neurons projected directly to the CeA, and microinjection of oxytocin into the CeA blocked anxiety-like behaviors. Inflammatory pain also decreased the activity of CeA neurons, and optogenetic activation of PVNoxytocin -CeA circuit prevented anxiety-like behavior in response to inflammatory pain. The results of our study suggest that oxytocin has anti-anxiety effects and provide novel insights into the role of PVNoxytocin -CeA projections in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors induced by inflammatory pain.

The potential of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil as an anti-anxiety agent – is the citronellal the activity carrier?

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAmong the fewest drugs discovered are those belonging to the class of anxiolytics. Although some drug targets for anxiety disorders are established, it is hard to modify and selectively choose the active principle for those targets. Thus, the ethnomedical approach to treating anxiety disorders remains one of the most prevalent ways for (self)managing the symptoms. Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) has been extensively used as an ethnomedicinal remedy for the treatment of different psyche-related symptoms, especially dose related to restlessness. Aim of the studyThis work aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic activity, in several in vivo models, of the essential oil extracted from Melissa officinalis (MO) and its main constituent citronellal, a widespread plant utilized for managing anxiety. Materials and methodsIn the present study several animal models were used to assess MO anxiolytic potential in mice. The effect of the MO essential oil applied in doses ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg/kg was estimated in light/dark, hole board, and marble burying tests. In parallel doses of citronellal corresponding to the ones in the MO essential oil were applied to animals to determine if this is the activity carrier. ResultsThe results indicate that the MO essential oil exerts anxiolytic potential in all three experimental settings by significantly altering the traced parameters. The effects of citronellal are somewhat inconclusive and should not be interpreted only as anxiolytic but rather as a combination of anti-anxiety and motor-inhibiting effects. ConclusionsIn conclusion, we could say that the results of the present study provide a base for future mechanistic studies that would evaluate the activity of M. officinalis essential oil on various neurotransmitter systems involved in the generation, propagation, and maintenance of anxiety.

Evaluation of Antianxiety Effect of Mucuna Pruriens (L) –An Experimental Study in Wistar Albino Rats.

Mucuna Pruriens (MP) is a plant legume growing well in tropical countries like Africa and Asia. Various parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat diseases like Parkinsonism and male infertility and as anabolic agents. These effects are attributed to the biologically active components with antioxidant properties. Many studies are highlighting the antiparkinsonian effect of MP. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were used in this study to investigate the antianxiety activity. The animals were separated into four groups of six (Control, Diazepam-5mg/kg, MP-200mg/kg, and MP-400/kg). All animals were tested for 18 weeks, with a six-week interval beginning with week one. This study aims to observe the effect of MP on anxiety on the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). Effects of test drug and control were noted by observing the time spent in the Open & Closed arm of EPM and the number of entries into the open & closed arm and compared among the four groups. Observations were analyzed using One-way ANOVA & Dennett's multiple comparisons tests. Animals treated with Mucuna Pruriens (200, 400mg/kg) produced a significantly increased number of entries and time spent in the open arm in the EPM (p<0.0001) compared with the control group. Mucuna Pruriens, used in this study at doses of 200mg/kg & 400mg/kg, shows an antianxiety effect comparable to that of the standard reference drug diazepam. Diazepam appeared to have a soothing effect, and no sedation was observed with MP powder based on the above results in this study.

Medicinal plants as a sources of terpenoids and their impact on Central Nervous System disorders: A review

Medicinal plants are rich sources of secondary metabolites which are commonly used in treating and preventing various diseases. Among different secondary metabolites, terpenoids play an important role as signaling compounds and growth regulators in plants. Besides these, terpenoids also have medicinal properties which are effectively used in treating common Central Nervous System disorders such as anti-Parkinson´s disease, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, anti-malarial, anti-ulcer, hepaticidal, etc. Terpenoids were also known for their potential role in improving intelligence, memory-enhancing, and exerting antidepressant and antianxiety effects. The availability of medicinal plants in nature is an indication for combating various diseases since synthetic drugs have serious side effects that negatively affect the treatment outcome. Thus, the need to strengthen the research on reservoirs of phytochemicals that are present abundantly in medicinal plants is important for their identification, isolation, and characterization of particular drug-yielding compounds against several diseases. In this review, we have summarised the important potential of medicinal plants’ terpenoids and their effects on Central Nervous System disorders.

Opioid-sparing anesthesia with dexmedetomidine provides stable hemodynamic and short hospital stay in non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a propensity score matching cohort study

ObjectivesDexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist with anti-anxiety, sedative, and analgesic effects and causes a lesser degree of respiratory depression. We hypothesized that the use of dexmedetomidine in non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may reduce opioid-related complications such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), dyspnea, constipation, dizziness, skin itching, and cause minimal respiratory depression, and stable hemodynamic status.MethodsPatients who underwent non-intubated VATS lung wedge resection with propofol combined with dexmedetomidine (group D) or alfentanil (group O) between December 2016 and May 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective propensity score matching cohort study. Intraoperative vital signs, arterial blood gas data, perioperative results and treatment outcomes were analyzed.Of 100 patients included in the study (group D, 50 and group O, 50 patients), group D had a significantly lower degree of decrement in the heart rate and the blood pressure than group O. Intraoperative one-lung arterial blood gas revealed lower pH and significant ETCO2. The common opioid-related side effects, including PONV, dyspnea, constipation, dizziness, and skin itching, all of which occurred more frequently in group O than in group D. Patients in group O had significantly longer postoperative hospital stay and total hospital stay than group D, which might be due to opioid-related side effects postoperatively.ConclusionsThe application of dexmedetomidine in non-intubated VATS resulted in a significant reduction in perioperative opioid-related complications and maintenance with acceptable hemodynamic performance. These clinical outcomes found in our retrospective study may enhance patient satisfaction and shorten the hospital stay.

Evaluation of CNS Depressant and Anti-anxiety Activities of Leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis.

Convolvulus pluricaulis is a native plant that is commonly mentioned in Ayurveda as a Rasayana and is primarily recommended for use in mental stimulation and rejuvenation therapy. Convolvulus pluricaulis is used as a brain tonic. The plant is reported to be a prominent memory-improving drug. It is used as a psychostimulant and tranquilizer. It is reported to reduce mental tension. The present study aimed to explore the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis along with CNS depressant and anti-anxiety activities, in models of mice. The extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis were sequentially isolated with a mixture of water and alcohol solution in the soxhlet apparatus. An acute toxicity study was conducted as per OECD guidelines no. 423, in which 18 Albino male mice were treated with different doses (1, 10, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) of hydroalcoholic extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis and assessed for toxicity parameters for 14 days. Various psychomotor activities of hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis for 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses were performed in mice by using various tests like actophotometer, open field, rota-rod, grip strength tests, elevated plus maze, hole board test, inclined plane, chimney test. The hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis was found to fall under category 4 in the acute toxicity study. Therefore, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis were selected for the further pharmacological study. The results of psychomotor tests (actophotometer, open field, rota-rod, grip strength, hole board test, inclined plane, chimney test, elevated plus maze, light-dark model) for test doses 100, 200, and 300 in mice showed CNS depressant and anti-anxiety effects. Hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis at the 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses has shown CNS depressant and anti-anxiety effects in mice models.

Standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba enhances memory persistence over time

BackgroundPreviously, our group has shown that treatment with a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb) before acquisition/encoding of the conditioned suppression and object recognition task produced recent memory persistence by upregulating CREB-1 and BDNF in the hippocampal formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, memory durability is influenced by processes that occur after encoding. Since the effects of EGb on consolidation processes and memory persistence are unknown, the characterization of these effects will help elucidate both the beneficial and harmful effects of “cognitive enhancers” treatments. MethodsWe investigated the effects of EGb treatment (250, 500 and 1000 mg Kg−1) on consolidation of conditioned lick suppression memory and its persistence, i.e., assessing fear memory retrieval and extinction, 2–4 days (recent long-term memory) or 40–42 days (remote long-term memory) after its acquisition. We also analyzed the compounds in the EGb by UHPLC-HRMS/MS and molecular networking (MN) for dereplication. ResultsWe show, for the first time, that EGb-induced persistence of conditioned suppression. Interestingly, while a higher dose promoted both recent and remote long-term memory persistence without preventing the acquisition of fear extinction memory, the lower dose induced the persistence of original fear remote memory and prevented extinction fear memory formation. The intermediate dose seems to be related to anti-anxiety effects. Furthermore, dereplication of EGb assisted by GNPS detected, besides ginkgolides A, B and D, distinct flavonoids, including quercetin, rutin and nicotiflorin. ConclusionThis study is the first to show that EGb treatment modulates recent and remote fear memory consolidation and its persistence. Additionally, our phytochemical analysis of the EGb corroborates the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, which may account for the biological effects of EGb on the duration of memory and shed light on its potential as an adjunct to the treatment of memory decline or anxiety disorders.

Assessment of anxiolytic-like effects of acute and chronic treatment of flurbiprofen in murine

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used medications with atypical pharmacological effects. This aims to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects of flurbiprofen in rodent models. Methods: In vivo experimental try was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 at the college of veterinary medicine, university of Mosul, Iraq. The effect of flurbiprofen was assessed in mice exposed to the elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark box test (LDT), and open-field test (OFT). Fifty male mice were divided into two groups of twenty-five, weighing 30–35 g, for acute and chronic treatment. Each group was subdivided into five subgroups: distilled water was administered to the control group; the positive control was injected with 10 mg/kg diazepam; and the flurbiprofen groups were administered orally at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Each subgroup was subjected to EPM, LDT, and OFT one hour after administration. The second group was also subdivided like the first group. It was treated for 15 days constantly and subjected to anxiety tests on the 16th day. Results: Acute treatment with 20 mg/kg flurbiprofen revealed an anxiolytic effect, with increased time spent in the open arm of the EPM test, increased time spent in the LDB test, and increased time spent in the central area in the OFT compared to the control group. Chronic administration of flurbiprofen was ineffective in producing an anxiolytic effect. Conclusion: The low doses of flurbiprofen may eliminate the anxiety effect in experimental mice; however, the anti-anxiety effect does not appear significantly after repeated or chronic administration of flurbiprofen.

A novel alcohol steamed preparation from Gastrodia elata Blume: Pharmacological assessment of a functional food.

Rhizoma Gastrodia (Orchidaceae; Gastrodia elata Blume), the rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume (GE), is traditionally used as both a medicinal and functional food, with proven efficacy in treating mental disorders. In traditional processing, GE is washed, steamed with water, dried, and sliced. In this study, a novel processing technology-alcohol steamed GE (AGE) was proposed as an alternative. Totally, 17 compounds were identified in fresh GE and AGE. Compared with fresh GE, the relative content of parishin A and parishin E decreased after alcohol steaming, whereas gastrodin (GAS), p-hydroxylbenzyl alcohol (HBA), Parishin B, and Parishin C were increased. Additionally, the pentobarbital-induced sleep mice model and Chronic Restraint Stress (CRS) model were applied to evaluate the pharmacological effects of fresh GE and steamed GE, and both fresh and steamed GE showed an intensive hypnotic and anti-anxiety effect. Furthermore, the anti-anxiety mechanism based on serum metabolic was investigated and the tryptophan metabolic pathway was considered the response to the anti-anxiety effect of GE. Although the optimization of the processing technology of AGE still needs to be further explored, the current results have provided new thoughts for the processing technology and clinical application of GE.

Identification of key genes involved in flavonoid and terpenoid biosynthesis and the pathway of triterpenoid biosynthesis in Passiflora edulis

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is a vine of the Passiflora genus in the Passifloraceae family. The extracted components include flavonoids and terpenoids, which have good anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects in humans. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomes of four tissues of the ‘Zixiang’ cultivar using RNA-Seq, which provided a dataset for functional gene mining. The de novo assembly of these reads generated 96 883 unigenes, among which 61 022 unigenes were annotated (62.99% yield). In addition to its edible value, another important application of passion fruit is its medicinal value. The flavonoids and terpenoids are mainly derivatives of luteolin, apigenin, cycloartane triterpenoid saponins and other active substances in leaf extracts. A series of candidate unigenes in the transcriptome data that are potentially involved in the flavonoid and terpenoid synthesis pathways were screened using homology-based BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that the biosynthesis of triterpenoids in passion fruit comes from the branches of the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate/1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (MEP/DOXP) pathways, which is different from the MVA pathway that is used in other fruit trees. Most of the candidate genes were found to be highly expressed in the leaves and/or flowers. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) verification was carried out and confirmed the reliability of the RNA-Seq data. Further amplification and functional analysis of these putative unigenes will provide additional insight into the biosynthesis of flavonoids and terpenoids in passion fruit.

Rosmarinic Acid - A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Sleep Disorders

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in numerous plants, such as rosemary, salvia, lemon balm, mint, and oregano. It has various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antiviral, antibacterial, antidepressant, and sleep-inducing properties. Rosmarinic acid is used in the food industry as a natural preservative and flavour enhancer, in addition to its potential health benefits. The oral bioavailability of RA ranges between 0.91 and 1.61 percent. After oral administration, rosmarinic acid is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours. The half-life reported for RA is relatively short ranging from 0.75 to 1 hour. Phase II enzymes, such as glucuronidation and sulfation, predominantly metabolise RA in the liver following absorption. These metabolic pathways lead to the formation of numerous conjugated metabolites, which are excreted in the urine and faeces. The bioavailability of RA can vary based on its source, formulation, as well as individual differences in metabolism and other factors. Several studies suggest that RA may have a positive impact on sleep quality, as RA administration has been shown to improve sleep quality, decrease sleep latency, and increase the duration of deep sleep via its effect on the GABAergic system. Moreover, RA has also been shown to have anti-anxiety and calming effects, which may contribute to its sleep-inducing properties. Additional research is necessary to fully comprehend the effects of RA on sleep, including its optimal dose, duration of use, and potential side effects.

The effect psychobiotics on anxiety symptoms

IntroductionPsychobiotics are a group of probiotics that affect the central nervous system related functions and behaviors mediated by the gut-brain-axis via immune, humoral, neural, and metabolic pathways to improve not only the gastrointestinal function but also the antidepressant and anxiolytic capacity.ObjectivesAn assessment of psychobiotic and anti-anxiety effects a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus Plantarum CECT7485 and Lactobacillus Brevis CECT7480 (PLANTARUM) in patients with anxiety undergoing treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants.MethodsSixty patients with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (according to ICD-10 diagnostic criteria F41.2) were included in an 8-week open label study. Thirty participants received either SSRI antidepressants with PLANTARUM at a dose of 1.0 × 109 CFU once per day and thirty patients received SSRI antidepressants only. The severity of anxiety symptoms was assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7).ResultsAfter 8 weeks intervention, a significant reduction of HAM-A total score (from 37,8±5,3 to 23,6±4,4) was detected in patients with anxiety who prescribed SSRI antidepressants and PLANTARUM (p˂0,05), compared with participants who didn’t receive probiotics (p>0,05). Also, a significant reduction of GAD-7 total score (from 21,7±3,3 to 12,5±2,4) was detected in patients with anxiety symptoms who received SSRI antidepressants and PLANTARUM (p˂0,01), compared with patients who didn’t intake probiotics (p>0,05).ConclusionsThe present data illustrated that probiotic supplement PLANTARUM is a feasible for adjunctive to SSRI antidepressants intervention for anxiety treatment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Safety and Anti-Fatigue Activity of Ayurvedic Formulation <i>Sramahara Mahaakaasaya</i> - A Pre-Clinical Study

An experimental evaluation of anti-fatigue activity of Shramahara Mahaakashaaya (SM) and its applicability in sports medicine has been systematically evaluated. Aqueous, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of SM granules (200mg/kg) were studies for light-dark model test for assessment anti-anxiety effect, rota-rod test for assessment of the effect on muscle tone and muscle balance, weight loaded forced swimming test for assessment of anti-fatigue activity. The acute toxicity study of SM granules has also been evaluated as per the OECD 423. SM granules showed significant anti-fatigue activity in different experimental models and found safe up to 2000mg/kg body weight dose. The results provide an important basis for considering Shramahara Mahaakashaaya (SM) as an alternative medicine having anti-fatigue effects which can be further included in the sports medicine.

The research progress on the anxiolytic effect of plant-derived flavonoids by regulating neurotransmitters.

Phytopharmaceuticals have attracted a lot of attention due to their multicomponent and multiple targets. The natural phenolic chemicals known as flavonoids are found in a wide variety of plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Recently, they have been found to have modulatory effects on anxiety disorders, with current research focusing on the modulation of neurotransmitters. There has not yet been a review of the various natural flavonoid monomer compounds and total plant flavonoids that have been found to have anxiolytic effects. The study on the anti-anxiety effects of plant-derived flavonoids on neurotransmitters was reviewed in this paper. We, therefore, anticipate that further study on the conformational interaction underlying flavonoids' anti-anxiety effects will offer a theoretical framework for the creation of pertinent treatments.