Joseph O. Erhabor* and Kenneth C. Ezeugwu

• access_time15 February, 2024

  subjectCategory: Biological Sciences

• Naturally, herbs are the principal constituent of herbal or traditional medicine used in managing and treating diverse sicknesses and diseases globally. Tetracarpidiumconophorum belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is traditionally used as a nerve tonic, amongst other conditions. This study examined the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the aqueous extract of T. conophorum seed. The antidepressant and anxiolytic indexes at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of T. conophorum extract and standard drugs (30 mg/kg of Amitriptyline and 2 mg/kg of diazepam) were assessed in an animal model using the force swimming, tail suspension and hole board tests. The animals (mice) were randomly placed in five groups of three animals each (n=5). The extract expressed a significant decrease in the immobility time (reduced depression) in the forced swim and tail suspension tests compared to distilled water (negative control). The head-dip frequency was significantly reduced (slightest display of anxiety) in the hole board test for anxiety. The 25 and 50 mg/kg of T. conophorum extract presented the best impacts against depression and anxiety. In conclusion, the study affirms the capacity of T. Conophorum extract to manage depression and anxiety. The probable mode(s) of action of T. Conophorum extract as an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety agent is recommended for future studies.
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