Anti-Anxiety Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ficus religiosa Leaves in Experimental Animals Bhat Ramdas1,*, Suchethana P. S.2, Saldanha Vinishia2, Yuktha S. K.2, Patel Neema Bhallaram2, Shabaraya A. R.3 1Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangalore, 574143, Karnataka, India 2Student, Department of Pharmacology, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangalore, 574143, Karnataka, India 3Principal and Director, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil, Mangalore, 574143, Karnataka, India *Corresponding Author E-mail: ramdas21@gmail.com
Online Published on 23 April, 2025. Abstract Background and Objective Anxiety, a complex psychological and physiological state, negatively impacts various aspects of life. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anxiety effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves in experimental animals. Methodology The anxiolytic effects were investigated in mice using the elevated plus-maze and light-dark models. Two oral doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg were administered, with diazepam (1mg/kg i.p.) as the standard. Parameters measured included total time and entries in open/closed arms and light/dark chambers. Results Animals treated with the hydroalcoholic extract at 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant increase in time and entries in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze. Additionally, there was an increase in time spent on the illuminated side of the light–dark test compared to control animals. Conclusion The study demonstrated significant anxiolytic activity in Swiss albino mice treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves. The exact mechanism remains unclear, suggesting a potential association with specific compounds in the leaves. Further research is required to identify and assess the active chemical constituents responsible for this anxiolytic activity. Top Keywords Hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves (HEFRL), Anti-anxiety, Elevated plus maze (EPM), Light and dark chamber (LDC), Swiss albino mice. Top |