ANTIDEPRESSANT AND ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF FICUS PLATIPHYLLA STEM BARK IN MICE

Olapade M. K., Wakeel O. K.*, Ayankunle A. A., and Abe A. I.

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of Ficus platiphylla stem barks in the doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg on anxiety and depression using mice as a model. Ethanol extract of Ficus platiphylla stem barks increased significantly the number of square crossed (center and peripheral), duration at the center of the field and rearing frequency, while there was significant reduction in duration of grooming in open field test. In the elevated plus maze experiment, the number of entries and duration of time in the open arms increased significantly with Ficus platiphylla stem barks extract treated groups. These aforementioned behavoural indices were also completely nullified by flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptors antagonist and pindolol a β-adrenoceptors blocker or 5-HT 1A/1B receptor antagonist. In the light and dark experiment, the time spent as well as the frequency in the light compartment and the number of the light-dark transitions increased significantly with Ficus platiphylla stem barks extract treatment. The extract was able to significantly reduced the immobility time, while activity of the mice in swimming and climbing increases significantly. In conclusion, the present study revealed the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the ethanol extract of Ficus platiphylla stem bark and the propable mechanism of action might be mediated via benzodiazepinergic and noradrenergic pathway.

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