Neuropharmacological Studies on Anxiety-Reducing Effects of Sarcostemma acidum Aerial Parts

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to comprehensively evaluate the anxiolytic potential of the aqueous extract prepared from the aerial parts of Sarcostemma acidum (Roxb.) Voigt, a traditionally utilized medicinal plant. In this study, Swiss albino adult mice were employed as experimental models to assess behavioral changes associated with anxiety-like conditions. The anxiolytic activity of the extract was determined primarily using the Light–Dark Box test, a widely accepted behavioral paradigm that measures the innate aversion of rodents to brightly illuminated areas. Additionally, motor coordination and possible neuromuscular impairment were evaluated through the Rota Rod test, ensuring that any observed anxiolytic response was not accompanied by sedative or muscle relaxant effects.

The aqueous extract was administered orally at dose levels of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight and its efficacy was compared against the standard benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug, diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioral observations revealed that treatment with the extract resulted in a significant and dose-dependent increase in the duration spent in the brightly illuminated compartment of the Light–Dark Box, along with an increased frequency of transitions between the two chambers. These effects suggest a reduction in anxiety-driven responses and improvements in exploratory behavior. The extract did not induce noticeable deficits in motor coordination, indicating that its anxiolytic action is likely independent of sedative effects. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that the aqueous aerial extract of Sarcostemma acidum exhibits promising anxiolytic properties and highlights its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing anxiety-related disorders.