Abstract

INVESTIGATION OF ANXIOLYTIC POTENTIAL OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PUTRANJIVA ROXBURGHII WALL LEAVES IN RAT MODELS

Rohan K. M.*, Dr. Nataraj G. R., T. A. Noor Mohammed Khadeer

Abstract

Anxiety disorders, marked by persistent fear and excessive worry, impair daily functioning and quality of life. While conventional anxiolytics are effective, their long-term use often leads to side effects, prompting interest in safer, plant-based alternatives. Putranjiva roxburghii Wall, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used to treat various ailments. This study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic potential of the ethanolic extract of Putranjiva roxburghii wall leaves in rat models through behavioral and biochemical assessments. Methodology: EEPR was prepared using Soxhlet extraction from shade-dried leaves, yielding 20.6%. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins, triterpenes, resins, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The study was conducted with four groups of rats: control, standard (diazepam), low dose (250 mg/kg), and high dose (500 mg/kg) EEPR. Behavioral tests were performed weekly, including: EPM: Assessed open arm and center activity. OFT: Evaluated exploratory behavior and locomotor activity. HBT: Measured exploratory behavior through head-dipping. Rotarod test: Monitored motor coordination and spontaneous activity. On the 29th day, biochemical parameters such as monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and lipid peroxidation were assessed to measure neurochemical effects and oxidative stress. Result: The ethanolic extract of Putranjiva roxburghii leaves (20.6% yield) contained alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins, and other bioactive compounds. Behavioral tests demonstrated that the high dose (500 mg/kg) significantly improved openarm exploration in the (EPM) and enhanced head-dipping behavior in the (HBT), comparable to diazepam. Both doses increased time spent in the central zone of the (OFT) and reduced muscle rigidity in the rotarod test. Biochemical analysis revealed dose-dependent reductions in MAO activity and lipid peroxidation, highlighting its anxiolytic and antioxidative potential. Conclusion: The EEPR showed dose-dependent anxiolytic effects, supported by behavioral and biochemical improvements. Phytochemicals like alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids may underlie its activity, highlighting its potential for further clinical exploration.

Keywords: Putranjiva roxburghii wall, Ethanolic extract (EEPR), Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Diazepam, Elevated plus maze (EPM), Open field test (OFT), Hole board test (HBT), Rotarod test, Monoamine oxidase (MAO), Lipid peroxidation, Dose-dependent effect.