Anti-Anxiety Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ficus religiosa Leaves in Experimental Animals

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.

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.

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.

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.