Evaluation of anxiolytic effect of aqueous extract of Garcinia indica seeds using open field test

Authors

  • Pratik Rane Department of Pharmacology, K. J. Somaiya Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Everard Nagar, Sion (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Aakash Kewlani Department of Pharmacology, Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Science, Mowa, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
  • Richa Verma Department of Pharmacology, Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Science, Mowa, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
  • Seema Bhalerao Department of Pharmacology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  • Usha Nayak Department of Pharmacology, K. J. Somaiya Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Everard Nagar, Sion (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Pankaj Mahadkar Department of Pharmacology, Topiwala National Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital, Dr. A. L. Nair Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20251064

Keywords:

Anxiolytic effect, Diazepam, Garcinia indica, Open field test, Locomotor activity and behavioural response

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is a common psychiatric condition frequently encountered in medical practice. While benzodiazepines like Diazepam are widely used as anxiolytics, they come with long-term adverse effects. Garcinia indica (Kokum), a natural herb, is believed to have anxiolytic properties without these drawbacks. This study aimed to evaluate its anxiolytic potential as a safer alternative.

Method: Wistar albino rats (n=32) were divided into four groups (8 per group) and administered orally with distilled water (0.5 ml), Diazepam (1 mg/kg), Garcinia indica (1.75 gm/kg), and Garcinia indica (3.5 gm/kg), respectively. Anxiety was assessed using the open field test, measuring parameters like the number of lines crossed, central square entries, rearing, grooming, immobility, and urination. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test.

Results: Both doses of Garcinia indica and Diazepam significantly increased central square crossings and improved behavior such as rearing, grooming, and immobility. However, Garcinia indica did not significantly affect urination or number of lines crossed compared to the control. Diazepam significantly reduced number of lines crossed compared to Garcinia indica (3.5 gm/kg).

Conclusion: Garcinia indica demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects comparable to Diazepam, suggesting its potential as a safer alternative for anxiety management.

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Published

2025-04-24

How to Cite

Rane, P., Kewlani, A., Verma, R., Bhalerao, S., Nayak, U., & Mahadkar, P. (2025). Evaluation of anxiolytic effect of aqueous extract of Garcinia indica seeds using open field test. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14(3), 382–387. https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20251064

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Original Research Articles