Evaluation of anti-anxiety effects of the hydromethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L. roots in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress

Abstract

Stress and anxiety are common psychiatric manifestations seen because of modern-day living especially expressed during demanding situations. Boerhaavia diffusa is an important medicinal plant widely used in the northeastern part of India. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-anxiety activities of the hydro-methanolic extract of B. diffusa roots. The antioxidant property of the hydromethanolic extract of B.diffusa was determined by in vitro antioxidant assays such as DPPH scavenging activity. The cytotoxicity of the extract was investigated using SH-SY5Y cell lines and the anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze test and open field tests. The results imply that the hydromethanolic extract of B. diffusa showed excellent antioxidant activity. The extract did not show any significant toxic effect on SH-SY5Y cells. The hydro-methanolic extract of B. diffusa also demonstrated significant anxiolytic activity at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses. Thus, it can be concluded that the hydromethanolic extract of B. diffusa possesses anxiolytic activity and antioxidant properties, proving its therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of anxiety disorders.