Anxiolytic Potential of Chloroform Extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Leaves in Mice

Introduction: With a tremendous spike in the cases of anxiety in recent years, scientists are looking for herbal drug alternatives for its treatment as all the conventional medication options available in the market have side effects and lead to dependence. Ethnopharmacological reports revealed the usefulness of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. for anxiety and depression. Therefore, it was envisaged to explore this plant’s possible anxiolytic activity. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Z. mauritiana leaves based on its ethno pharmacological relevance. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic activity of the chloroform leaf extract of this plant was determined with the use of animal models elevated plus maze, mirrored chamber and light/dark box test. The chloroform extract was given orally to mice at 200 and 400 mg/kg and number of entries and time spent in the animal models was observed. The extract was then subjected to PTLC and a pentacyclic triterpenoid (RJ11) was isolated which was then characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Molecular docking studies of isolated compound RJ11 was done on GABAA receptors. Results: The chloroform extract showed significant anxiolytic effect in mirrored chamber, elevated plus maze and light/dark models at the dose of 400mg/kg. Molecular docking studies of isolated compound RJ11 on GABAA receptors revealed good binding affinity and interactions with central benzodiazepine binding site on GABAA that may be responsible for the anxiolytic effect of this plant. Conclusion: The chloroform extract of leaves of Z. mauritiana Lam. possess anxiolytic effect which may be attributed to binding affinity of pentacyclic triterpenoid present in this plant with GABAA receptors on its benzodiazepines receptor site.