2017, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part C

author(s)
Kailash Sharma and Milind Parle

abstract
Plant-derived medications have augmented in the management of psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus against anxiety. The effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus (MEAH) on brain GABA and serotonin levels were also determined. We used the light-dark model, elevated plus maze and marble burying behavior model, standard animal models of anxiety, to evaluate the effects of sub-acute (10 days) administration of MEAH at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, (p.o.) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 20 mg/kg, i.p.) induced anxiety in mice, followed by biochemical estimations. A significant increase in the time spent in the open arms, light compartment and decrease in marble burying, were observed in MEAH treated mice. MEAH increased the levels of GABA and serotonin in brain. These findings suggest the anxiolytic effects of MEAH, and modifications in brain GABA and serotonin levels could have contributed to the current results.