Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTI-ANXIETY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF MOMORDICA DIOICA FRUIT ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Sindhoora D.*, Bindhiya, Dhanupriya, Dhanyashree, Karunakar Hegde, A. R. Shabaraya

Abstract

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate anxiolytic activity of Momordica dioica aqueous extract in experimental animal. Methods: The anxiolytic effects of the aqueous extract of Momordica dioica were evaluated in mice using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test. Swiss albino mice weighing between 22-27grams, of either sex, will be randomly assigned into four groups, each containing six animals. Group 1 received vehicle control (normal saline, 0.05ml/10g,orally). Group 2 received standard drug diazepam (1mg/kg, orally). Group 3 received Momordica dioica fruit aqueous extract at a dose of 100mg/kg orally, and Group 4 received the extract 300 mg/kg orally for a duration of 21 days. All treatments were administered orally. Animals in Group 1,3 and 4 were pretreated for 20 days, while the diazepam group will receive the treatment only on the 21st day, 30 minutes prior to testing. The Elevated Plus Maze were used to assess anxiolytic activity, measuring parameters such as : number of open arm entries, number of closed arm entries and time spent in open arm and closed arms. Result : The administration of aqueous extract of Momordica dioica fruits at doses of 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg resulted in a notable decrease in both the number of entries and the time spent in the closed arms. Conversely, there was a significant increase in the entries and the time spent in the open arms compare to the control and standard groups. These findings indicate that the Momordica dioica fruit extract exhibits significant anti-anxiety effects. Conclusion: The results of the current study provide evidence that the aqueous extract of Momordica dioica fruit exhibits a dose dependent protective effect against anxiety.

Keywords: Anxiety, Momordica dioica aqueous extract, EPM.