Significant Anxiolytic Effect Research Articles

GC-MS Analysis, Neuropharmacological, and Antidiarrheal Activities of the Acetone Extract of Najas gracillima Seaweed: In Vivo and In Silico Study.

Najas gracillima, a marine seaweed found in North America and Asia, was investigated for its neuropharmacological and antidiarrheal properties. Acetone extracts of N. gracillima (ANG) were analyzed using both in vivo and in silico methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted to identify bioactive compounds present in the extract. In vivo assessments, including the elevated plus maze, light-dark box, and hole board tests, showed that ANG at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg exhibited significant (p<0.001) anxiolytic effects. Both doses also demonstrated antidepressant effects in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests by significantly (p<0.001) reducing immobility time, with the 200mg/kg dose showing more pronounced effects. Sedative activity was confirmed through open field and hole cross tests, where both doses exhibited significant (p<0.001) sedative effects. ANG also demonstrated significant antidiarrheal effects at 400mg/kg in castor oil-induced diarrhea (p<0.05) and gastrointestinal motility tests (p<0.01). Molecular docking simulations revealed that compounds from ANG had strong binding affinities to critical drug targets involved in anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and diarrhea. These findings suggest that N. gracillima holds potential for therapeutic use in treating neuropharmacological disorders and diarrhea, warranting further investigation.

Chronic cannabidiol administration modulates depressive and cognitive alterations induced by social isolation in male mice.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic compound derived from Cannabis sativa, is known for its potential therapeutic effects on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This study investigates the effects of chronic CBD administration on depressive and cognitive alterations induced by social isolation in male C57BL/6 mice. The experimental design involved adult mice subjected to either group housing or 12 weeks of social isolation. Behavioral assessments, including the sucrose preference test, open field test, light/dark box, novel object recognition, and tail suspension test, were performed to evaluate the impact of CBD on emotional and cognitive alterations. Additionally, hippocampal gene expression for cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R), serotonin type 1A receptors (5HT1AR), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were analyzed. Results indicate that CBD mitigated anhedonia in isolated mice and reduced immobility episodes in the TST. However, CBD did not exert significant anxiolytic effects and unexpectedly induced anxiety-like behavior in group-housed mice. The study also revealed that social isolation impaired recognition memory and reduced BDNF expression, while CBD treatment protected memory in isolated mice. These findings suggest that CBD has potential antidepressant and neuroprotective effects in social isolation-induced depressive models, although its anxiogenic effects in non-stressed mice warrant further investigation.

Phytoconstituents of Chloranthus elatior as a potential adjunct in the treatment of anxiety disorders: In vivo and in silico approaches

Traditional plants have played a vital role in civilization and medicine throughout history. Chloranthus elatior, a plant used in South Asian traditional medicine, has various medicinal applications but limited research on its impact on the central nervous system (CNS). This study analyzed the methanolic leaf extract of Chloranthus elatior (MECE) for secondary metabolites and conducted experiments to evaluate the sedative, and anxiolytic effect of MECE on a mice model. To assess anxiolytic effects, elevated plus maze (EPM) and light-dark box (LDB) tests were performed. Sedative effects were explored in open field and hole-cross tests. Additionally, in silico investigations included molecular docking and ADME/T property assessments for 40 secondary metabolites. The phytochemical analysis of MECE revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. MECE exhibited significant anxiolytic effects in both the EPM and LDB tests, with statistical significance (P < 0.001). The open field and hole-cross tests demonstrated significant sedative potential (P < 0.05) compared to the standard Diazepam. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the potential of the compounds with a potassium channel protein. Among them, Chloramultilide C, 4-dimethoxyflavanone, and Neolitacumone B were identified as potential against the target protein with a binding score of −8.8 kcal/mol, −6.5 kcal/mol, and −6.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, pharmacokinetic attributes and ADMET analysis emphasized promising properties for drug development. These findings suggest that MECE possesses sedative and anxiolytic properties that could be valuable for addressing insomnia and anxiety associated with various psychiatric disorders.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antibacterial, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, and anxiolytic effects of Adiantum philippense leaf extracts

Adiantum philippense (AP) is a source of various important phytochemicals and has been traditionally used to cure many diseases, including dysentery, ulcers, fevers, cooling, and elephantiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-bacterial, anti-pyretic, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects of AP using a number of in vitro and in vivo test protocols. For this, dried leaves were extracted by the Soxhlet extractor using ethanol. The crude ethanol extract was then fractionated by treating with chloroform and n-hexane. A preliminary phytochemical screening was done for its crude extracts. The antibacterial activity of ethanol, chloroform, and n-hexane extracts of AP was tested against 10 pathogenic bacteria at concentrations of 500 µg/disc. The ethanol extract showed significant activity against Gram (+ve) and Gram (-ve) bacteria. In mice, the chloroform extracts showed significant (p <0.05) antipyretic and hypoglycemic effects, while the ethanol extract exerted significant anxiolytic effects on mice. The results obtained from this study indicate that AP leaf extracts contain important phytochemical groups and exert antibacterial, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, and anxiolytic effects. Further studies are required to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for these claimed biological activities.

Sex-Dependent Synergism of an Edible THC: CBD Formulation in Reducing Anxiety and Depressive-like Symptoms Following Chronic Stress.

Cannabis has shown therapeutic potential in mood and anxiety-related pathologies. However, the two primary constituents of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce distinct effects on molecular pathways in neural circuits associated with affective disorders. Moreover, it has been proposed that the combination of THC: and CBD may have unique synergistic properties. In the present study, the effects of a 1:100 THC: CBD ratio edible formulation were tested in behavioural, neuronal and molecular assays for anxiety and depressive-like endophenotypes. Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were stressed for 14 days. Then, for three weeks, open field, elevated plus maze, light/dark box, social interaction, sucrose preference, and the forced swim test were performed 90 minutes after acute consumption of CBD (30 mg/kg), THC (0.3 mg/kg), or 1:100 combination of THC:CBD. After behavioural tests, in vivo, neuronal electrophysiological analyses were performed in the ventral tegmental area and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, western-blot experiments examined the expression of biomarkers associated with mood and anxiety disorders, including protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), BDNF, mTOR, D1, and D2 receptor in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and PFC.Edible THC:CBD produces significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects only in stressed male rats. In most cases, the combination of THC and CBD had stronger effects than either phytochemical alone. These synergistic effects are associated with alterations in Akt/GSK3 and D2-R expression in NAc and BDNF expression in PFC. Furthermore, THC:CBD reverses chronic stress-induced alterations in PFC neuronal activity. These findings demonstrate a novel synergistic potential for THC:CBD edible formulations in stress-related pathologies.

Unravelling the antianxiety activity of various fractions of aerial parts of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. Ex Benth., by in vivo implicated through computational studies

There has been increasing interest in biologically active plant extracts. Studies continue to discover novel components, especially those with anti-anxiety activities. The present study investigates the anxiolytic activity of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth. aerial parts through both in vivo and in silico studies. Aerial parts of the experimental plant were extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent and fractionated with various organic solvents of differing polarities, including hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The chemical compositions were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In vivo anti-anxiety activity was tested on various Swiss albino mice models. Results indicate that all fractions of S. moorcroftiana exhibited significant anxiolytic effects, with the butanol fraction displaying the highest efficacy. Molecular docking analysis suggested that some of the compounds could target anxiety disorder proteins. ADME/T calculations were performed to examine the effects of S. moorcroftiana extracts on human metabolism. Therefore, the present study establishes the significant anti-anxiety activity of S. moorcroftiana aerial parts, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for various anxiety disorders.

The anxiolytic-like effect of the alkaloid fraction of the psychedelic plant Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir

The present work investigated the anxiolytic effect of the alkaloid fraction (AF II) from the root bark of Mimosa tenuiflora. Female Swiss mice of 6 weeks old were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups: 0.9% NaCl (vehicle group, s.c.), AF II (6 mg/kg, s.c.), and diazepam – DZP (5 mg/kg, s.c.). The light/dark box and elevated plus maze tests evaluated the animal anxiety. DMT was identified by the HPLC method. AF II showed significant anxiolytic effects in the two behavioural tests used.

The influence of exercise intensity on comorbid anxious behavior in psychiatric conditions

Many experts have extensively studied the potential of exercise as a treatment option for psychiatric conditions, including depression and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite their core symptoms, these conditions exhibits comparable component traits, an anxiety. In this study, we explored the effect of exercise on behavioral abnormalities in psychiatric conditions, focusing on its intensity and emotional resilience. Shank3B knockout (KOSED) mice displaying self-injurious repetitive behavior and C57BL/6J mice, susceptible to stress as ASD and depression model, respectively, were subjected to moderate-intensity exercise (ME) for 2 weeks. ME mitigated the core symptoms (excessive grooming traits and behavioral despair) but did not exert a significant anxiolytic effect. Notably, exercise intensity has emerged as a critical determinant of its efficacy, as evidenced by a lower ventilation threshold and anxiolytic effect mediated by low-intensity exercise. The findings substantiate the notion that exercise is promising as a disease-modifying treatment, but intensity matters for emotional resilience.Graphical

Nucleus accumbens ghrelin signaling controls anxiety-like behavioral response to acute stress

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders. Ghrelin is a critical orexigenic brain-gut peptide that regulates food intake and metabolism. Recently, the ghrelin system has attracted more attention for its crucial roles in psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. However, the underlying neural mechanisms involved have not been fully investigated.MethodsIn the present study, the effect and underlying mechanism of ghrelin signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core on anxiety-like behaviors were examined in normal and acute stress rats, by using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, neuropharmacology, molecular manipulation and behavioral tests.ResultsWe reported that injection of ghrelin into the NAc core caused significant anxiolytic effects. Ghrelin receptor growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is highly localized and expressed in the NAc core neurons. Antagonism of GHSR blocked the ghrelin-induced anxiolytic effects. Moreover, molecular knockdown of GHSR induced anxiogenic effects. Furthermore, injection of ghrelin or overexpression of GHSR in the NAc core reduced acute restraint stress-induced anxiogenic effects.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that ghrelin and its receptor GHSR in the NAc core are actively involved in modulating anxiety induced by acute stress, and raises an opportunity to treat anxiety disorders by targeting ghrelin signaling system.

Isolation, characterization and therapeutic potential of a novel furanoid diterpene lactone from Hedychium spicatum rhizomes: Insights into antioxidant, anxiolytic, and circadian rhythm modulating properties

BackgroundHedychium spicatum rhizomes is widely used in ayurvedic medicine and traditional medicine systems around the Himalayas. PurposeStandardization of Hedychium spicatum rhizome SCFE extract by Identification, Isolation, characterization, and screening of pharmacological activity of phytoconstituents. Study designSupercritical fluid extraction, column chromatography, spectroscopic analysis, in-silico, and in-vivo study of compound 1 (3-((E) -2-((1S,8aR)-3,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-4-oxo-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-naphthalen-1-yl) vinyl) furan-2(5H)-one). MethodsA supercritical fluid extract was prepared and further purified to obtain a novel Furanoid diterpene lactone compound 1 (3-((E) -2-((1S,8aR)-3,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-4-oxo-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-naphthalen-1-yl) vinyl) furan-2(5H)-one). It was characterised using IR, LC-ESI/MS, 1H, 13C NMR, 2D NMR-COSY, NOESY, HMBC, and HSQC and thin-layer chromatography. Compound was tested for anxiolytic activity using various animal behavioural model included elevated maze plus test, light and dark box test, social interaction, actophotometer test, rotarod test. ResultsThe compound gives a false Dragendorff's test in favour of the presence of lactone. HPLC profiling was done using DAD using 30 % v/v of o-phosphoric acid (0.1 % v/v) in water and 70 % v/v of acetonitrile (ACN) in the mobile phase. Compound 1 having significant anxiolytic effect tested in animal behavioural model ****p < 0.0001 diazepam as standard. ConclusionFree radical scavenging activity suggested that compound 1 has good potential as an antioxidant, having IC50 values of 75.62 µg and 96.556 µg using DPPH and ABTS inhibition assays. ADMET prediction suggested that compound 1 follows Lipinski's rules of five, absorbed through the intestine, and penetrates the blood-brain barrier and CNS. In-silico studies, suggested that compound 1 has an affinity to bind with GABA, melatonin 1, and glutamate receptor 5 and In-vivo study suggest compound 1 will be a good candidate as anxiolytic agent. It can be used as a promising natural remedy for oxidative stress, mental health issues, and sleep-related disorders, warranting further exploration and clinical investigation.

Evaluation of the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. in Swiss albino mice

BackgroundZiziphus mauritiana (Rhamnaceae), also known as Ziziphus jujuba Mill is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat pain, vertigo, amnesia, and sleeplessness. The objective of this research was to examine the anxiolytic properties of the ethanolic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana (EEZM) in several behavioral paradigms using Swiss albino mice as experimental subjects. Methodologyafter an oral acute toxicity investigation, adult mice were administered EEZM at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally, and/or diazepam at a dose of 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally. Subsequently, the mice were exposed to several behavioral assessments. The open-field test included recording the number of square fields crossed while in the light/dark test, the time spent in the light area was calculated and in the Elevated Plus Maze test, the time spent in both the open and closed arms, as well as the number of entries into the open arm were calculated. Furthermore, a comprehensive examination of phytochemicals was conducted. ResultsThe anti-anxiety efficacy of the ethanol extract of Z. mauritiana was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) as compared to the control group. This was seen by an increase in the average percent of entries and time spent in the open arms of mice treated with a dosage of 400 mg/kg. The administration of the ethanol extract at a dosage of 400 mg/kg demonstrated a significant anxiolytic effect (p < 0.001) in several behavioral tests, including the elevated plus maze, open field test, and light/dark models. ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that the administration of Z. mauritiana has an anxiolytic effect on mice. Its properties as a novel therapeutic option for the management of anxiety in humans deserve analysis.

Effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors and synaptic plasticity in hippocampus of anxiety rats

This study investigated the effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors(NMDAR) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors(AMPAR) in the hippocampus and synaptic plasticity in rats with conditioned fear-induced anxiety. The effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on rat behaviors were evaluated through open field experiment, elevated plus maze experiment, and light/dark box experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of glutamate(Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA) in the rat hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR) and Western blot were employed to assess the gene and protein expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the hippocampal region. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe the changes in the ultrastructure of synaptic neurons in the hippocampal region. Long-term potentiation(LTP) detection technique was employed to record the changes in population spike(PS) amplitude in the hippocampal region of mice in each group. The behavioral results showed that compared with the model group, the Suanzaoren Decoction group effectively increased the number of entries into open arms, time spent in open arms, percentage of time spent in open arms out of total movement time, number of entries into open arms out of total entries into both arms(P&lt;0.01), and significantly increased the time spent in the light box and the number of shuttle crossings(P&lt;0.01). There was an increasing trend in the number of grid crossings, entries into the center grid, and time spent in the center grid, indicating a significant anxiolytic effect. ELISA results showed that compared with the model group, the Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibited significantly reduced levels of Glu, Glu/GABA ratio(P&lt;0.01), and significantly increased levels of GABA(P&lt;0.01) in the rat hippocampus. Furthermore, Suanzaoren Decoction significantly decreased the gene and protein expression of NMDAR(GluN2B and GluN2A) and AMPAR(GluA1 and GluA2) compared with the model group. Transmission electron microscopy results demonstrated improvements in synapses, neuronal cells, and organelles in the hippocampal region of the Suanzaoren Decoction group compared with the model group. LTP detection results showed a significant increase in the PS amplitude changes in the hippocampal region of Suanzaoren Decoction group from 5 to 35 min compared with the model group(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01). In conclusion, Suanzaoren Decoction exhibits significant anxiolytic effects, which may be attributed to the reduction in NMDAR and AMPAR expression levels and the improvement of synaptic plasticity.

Anxiolytic-like effect of succinic acid: A possible GABAergic intervention

In the modern era, physical and mental stress lead to anxiety at an alarming rate. Therefore, searching for new lead compounds that deal with anxiety has a practical demand. Our study aimed to evaluate succinic acid's (SUC) possibility of managing anxiety through in vivo and in silico studies. For this, SUC (5, 10, and 15) mg/kg were administered orally (p.o.) to the adult male Swiss mice, followed by several studies like open field, swing, hole cross, and light-dark residence tests. The GABAergic agonist diazepam (DZP-2 mg/kg) and an antagonist such as caffeine (CAF-10 mg/kg) were also studied in combination with the SUC group. In contrast to the DZP group, SUC significantly (p < 0.0001) increased the amount of time that animals spent in the light, suggesting that it may have relaxing impacts on mice. Additionally, in silico studies were carried out to understand the interaction between SUC and GABAA (α1, β2, and γ2) receptor subunits. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties were examined by pkCSM and SwissADME online servers and found to be supportive of considering SUC as a potential drug candidate. Our experiment found that SUC-10 had an anxiolytic-like effect on the animals. SUC-10, when combined with DZP, produced more significant (p < 0.0001) anxiolytic effects than their individual groups, suggesting possible synergistic effects with this commonly used anxiolytic drug. SUC-10 also altered CAF-mediated effects in mice. An in silico study demonstrates that SUC has good interaction capacity with GABAA receptor subunits. Taken together, SUC-10 exerted anxiolytic-like effects in Swiss mice. It may act synergistically with DZP while acting antagonistically with CAF, possibly through GABAergic interaction pathways.

Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort

BackgroundThe aim of the current study was to examine patterns of medical cannabis use in those using it to treat anxiety and to investigate if the anxiolytic effects of cannabis were impacted by gender and/or age.MethodsPatient-reported data (n = 184 participants, 61% female, 34.7 ± 8.0 years) was collected through the Strainprint® app. Tracked sessions were included if the method of administration was inhalation, treatment was for anxiety and the product used was dried flower. The final analyzed dataset encompassed three of the most commonly utilized dried flower products in anxiety sessions. Independent sample t-tests were used. The core analysis examined within subject changes overtime (pre-medication to post-medication) and interactions between time with two candidate moderators [gender (male, female) and age (18–29, 30–39, and 40 + years old)] by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For significant main effects of interactions, post hoc tests were conducted using a Bonferroni correction. A secondary analysis examined differences in proportion of emotives endorsed as a function of gender or age using chi-square test of independence.ResultsCannabis consumption resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety scores among both males and females (average efficacy of 50%) and efficacy was similar across the three cultivars. However, gender differences in efficacy were identified in two of the cultivars. All age groups experienced significant reductions in their anxiety post cannabis consumption; however, the 40 + year old group had significantly less efficacy than the other groups. The overall optimal dosing for the entire cohort was 9–11 inhalations for males and 5–7 inhalations for females, with some variation in dosing across the different cultivars, genders and age groups.ConclusionsWe found all three cultivars had significant anxiolytic effects and were well-tolerated. Some limitations of the study are the moderate sample size, self-reported diagnosis of anxiety, unknown comorbidities and experience with cannabis, whether other drugs or cannabis products were used, and restriction to solely inhaled administration. We suggest that the gender and age differences in optimal dosing could support both healthcare practitioners and patients initiate medical cannabis treatment for anxiety.

Anxiolytic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Medjool Dates of Phoenix Dactylifera in Mice

Background: Anxiety is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders, affecting 33.7% of the general population. However, the consumption of healthy diets has been found to help, at least in part, in the prevention and treatment of anxiety-like disorders.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, the anxiety behaviors of mice subjected to chronic intake of low-and high doses of ethanolic extract of Medjool dates (Phoenix Dactylifera) were evaluated in comparison to the counterparts of control mice. The elevated zero maze (EZM) test and marbles burying test were used as models of choice for evaluating anxiety behaviors in these mice. In addition, aphytochemical analysis of major secondary metabolite groups was done.&#x0D; Results: The findings of this study revealed that the ethanolic extract of dates is rich in flavonoids and steroids with known activity as anxiolytics, such as kaempherol. Mice received a low dose (300 mg/kg) of the extract exhibited lower anxiety in the EZM than the untreated mice (negative control), which was determined by a significant increase in the latency to the closed area, a significant decrease in the time spent in the closed area and a significant increase in the number of the entries to the open quadrants. The anxiolytic effect of low dose extract was comparable to that produced in positive control mice treated with diazepam (1.5 mg/kg, i.p) in all tested parameters. Data obtained from the marble burying test also showed a significant anxiolytic effect by low dose (300 mg/kg) of the extract as compared to untreated mice, which was manifested by significant decrease in the total number of buried marbles. The anxiolytic effect of low dose extract in the marbles burying test was comparable to that produced in counterparts of positive control mice treated with fluoxetine (5mg/kg, i.p). On the other hand, chronic intake of high doses (2583 mg/kg) of the extract did not cause any significant anxiolytic effect in the EZM and marbles burying tests.&#x0D; Conclusions: Overall, these results indicate that regular intake of low dose of ethanolic extract of Medjool dates may help to prevent and manage anxiety disorders. However, further studies are recommended to elucidate the putative mechanism underlying the anxiolytic effect of these dates.

Comparative Assessment of Anxiety during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block under Nitrous Oxide + Oxygen and Oxygen Inhalation Sedation in Children Aged 3-12 Years: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A comparative evaluation of children's anxiety with the use of nitrous oxide-oxygen (N2O-O2) inhalation sedation during the administration of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). A total of 60 children between 3 and 12 years of age, with Frankl's behavior rating of 2-3 requiring IANB for any dental procedure were enrolled in this randomized clinical study. Group I (n = 30) received N2O and oxygen inhalation sedation at a concentration in the range of 25-50%, whereas group II (n = 30) received 100% O2 as a placebo. The physiological parameters like pulse rate, respiration, blood pressure, and O2 saturation were measured at the baseline, intraoperatively [during and after administration of local anesthesia (LA)] and postoperatively after the termination of the gases in both groups. The sedation level was measured intraoperatively (before administration of LA) using the Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS). The discomfort and anxiety were measured at the baseline, intraoperatively, and postoperatively using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) behavior scale. The data were evaluated using the statistical software International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics 20.0. There was a significant difference in the FLACC scores between the two groups, intraoperatively (p-value-0.002), and postoperatively (p-value-0.049). The mean of the RSS for group I was 2.80 + 1.03, and for group II was 1.80 + 0.81. All the physiological parameters recorded were within the normal range. The use of N2O-O2 inhalation improved the anxiety levels in children while receiving the IANB and showed significant anxiolytic and sedative effects as compared to O2 inhalation. Nitrous oxide-oxygen (N2O-O2) inhalation can be used as a nonpharmacological behavior management adjunct for invasive treatments for children with utmost comfort for the child. Thomas PS, Dave BH, Shah DJ, et al. Comparative Assessment of Anxiety during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block under Nitrous Oxide + Oxygen and Oxygen Inhalation Sedation in Children Aged 3-12 Years: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):30-36.

Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials

IntroductionWe report on a meta-analysis of Silexan, a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, in subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).MethodsThe present analyses are based on all currently completed 5 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating Silexan in adult out-patients who received Silexan 1 × 80 mg/day or placebo for ten weeks according to random assignment (n = 1213). Efficacy was assessed based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), several anxiety self-rating scales, the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health status questionnaire.ResultsAfter ten weeks’ treatment, Silexan was significantly superior to placebo in reducing the HAMA total score (including the psychic and somatic anxiety sub-scores) and self-rated anxiety. Based on a ≥ 50% HAMA total score reduction, the responder rate ratio was 1.34 favoring Silexan, and the rate ratio of subjects much or very much improved according to the CGI was 1.51. Silexan was also significantly superior in improving the physical and mental health summary scores of the SF-36. There were no significant between-group differences concerning the occurrence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and premature withdrawal due to AEs.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis demonstrates that Silexan exerts significant anxiolytic effects in subthreshold anxiety, GAD and MADD that were consistently reflected in investigator ratings and patient-reported outcomes, including improvement of health-related life-quality, while showing favorable tolerability and safety.

Agarwood essential oil inhalation exerts antianxiety and antidepressant effects via the regulation of Glu/GABA system homeostasis.

Depression and anxiety are common diseases that endanger the physical and mental health of individuals. Agarwood incense inhalation has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for relaxation and to improve sleep for centuries. In a previous study by the authors it was demonstrated that agarwood essential oil (AEO) injection exerted anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Therefore the present study further investigated the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of AEO inhalation on anxiolytic mice induced by M-chlorophenylpiperazine and depressive mice induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress. The results demonstrated that AEO exerted a significant anxiolytic effect, whereby autonomous movements were inhibited during the light dark exploration test and open field test. Furthermore, the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test demonstrated that AEO also exerted an antidepressant effect, whereby the immobility times were decreased. Moreover, AEO was determined to increase the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor (GABAA) and glutamate (Glu) in anxiolytic mice and inhibit the levels of GABAA and Glu in depressive mice. Further investigations into how AEO affected the Glu/GABA system demonstrated that AEO markedly increased the protein expression levels of GABA transaminase (GABAT), glutamate metabotropic receptor 5 (GRM5), glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 1 (GluR1) and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1). Furthermore, AEO reduced the expression levels of GABAT, glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B and GRM5, and enhanced the expression levels of GluR1 and VGluT1. These results demonstrated that AEO potentially possesses antianxiety and antidepressant properties. The present study determined that the mechanism was related to the regulation of Glu/GABA neurotransmitter system homeostasis.

Anxiolytic Potential of Chloroform Extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Leaves in Mice

Abstract: Introduction: With a tremendous spike in the cases of anxiety in recent years, scientists are looking for herbal drug alternatives for its treatment as all the conventional medication options available in the market have side effects and lead to dependence. Ethnopharmacological reports revealed the usefulness of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. for anxiety and depression. Therefore, it was envisaged to explore this plant’s possible anxiolytic activity. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Z. mauritiana leaves based on its ethno pharmacological relevance. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic activity of the chloroform leaf extract of this plant was determined with the use of animal models elevated plus maze, mirrored chamber and light/dark box test. The chloroform extract was given orally to mice at 200 and 400 mg/kg and number of entries and time spent in the animal models was observed. The extract was then subjected to PTLC and a pentacyclic triterpenoid (RJ11) was isolated which was then characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Molecular docking studies of isolated compound RJ11 was done on GABAA receptors. Results: The chloroform extract showed significant anxiolytic effect in mirrored chamber, elevated plus maze and light/ dark models at the dose of 400mg/kg. Molecular docking studies of isolated compound RJ11 on GABAA receptors revealed good binding affinity and interactions with central benzodiazepine binding site on GABAA that may be responsible for the anxiolytic effect of this plant. Conclusion: The chloroform extract of leaves of Z. mauritiana Lam. possess anxiolytic effect which may be attributed to binding affinity of pentacyclic triterpenoid present in this plant with GABAA receptors on its benzodiazepines receptor site. Keywords: Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., Chloroform extract, Anxiolytic, Triterpenoid, Molecular docking study.

Small-molecule non-peptide antagonists of the PACAP receptor attenuate acute restraint stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a highly conserved pleiotropic neuropeptide, implicated in emotional stress responses and anxiety-related disorders. Here, we examined whether our recently developed small-molecule non-peptide PACAP receptor antagonists could ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors induced by acute restraint stress in mice. The antagonists PA-9 and its derivative PA-915 improved anxiety-like behaviors in mice subjected to restraint stress. An anxiolytic effect was observed with single acute dose, suggesting their fast-acting properties. PA-915 demonstrated a statistically significant anxiolytic effect whereas fluoxetine did not. These results indicate the potential of PAC1 antagonists as a novel treatment for anxiety.