Mechanism of the Anxiolytic Activity of Residual Aqueous Fraction of Solanum aethiopicum (Linn.) Fruits in Mice
Abdullahi Rabiu Abubakar 1*, Ibrahim Haruna Sani2, Sani Malami1, Abdullahi Hamza Yaro 1
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano. Nigeria.
- Unit of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, Nigeria.
| Key words:
Solanum aethipicum, anxiolytic, central nervous system, GABAA-receptor.
*Corresponding author: 08099592480 DOI: 10. 48245/tnpr-2734391.2021.1.201 Page No.: 70-77 |
Abstract Solanum aethiopicum (L), family Solanaceae is used in boosting memory, and also as a sedative in the traditional management of insomnia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of the anxiolytic activity of residual aqueous fraction of Solanum aethiopicum. The anxiolytic activity of the residual aqueous fraction (RAF) was investigated using elevated plus maze test. The effect of some drug-receptor antagonists such as bicuculine (BIC), naloxone (NAL), chlorpromazine (CPZ), atropine (ATR), ketamine (KT), picrotoxin (PIC), and flumazenil (FLU) on the activity of RAF was tested. RAF and diazepam (DZP) produced statistically significant increase in open arm entry and duration of stay (p < 0.05) compared to distilled water (DW) control group. Simultaneous administration of NAL or PIC and RAF caused significant increase in open arm entry and duration of stay (p < 0.05), as well as decrease in the duration of stay in the closed arm (p < 0.05). There was no significant changes (p > 0.05) in the number of entry and duration of stay in open and closed arms when BIC, CPZ, ATR, KT, or FLU were administered with RAF. The anxiolytic activity of the residual aquoeus fraction of Solanum aethipicum was antagonized by bicuculine, chlorpromazine, atropine, ketamine and flumazenil sugessting the participation of GABAergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic, and glutaminergic pathway in the mechanism of its anxiolytic activity. |