Couroupita guianensis: Evaluation of its anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in mice

Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Family: Lecythidaceae) popularly known as „cannon ball tree“ contains triterpenoids [1] which have been implicated in anxiolytic and antidepressant activity [2]. Therefore the present research was aimed to evaluate the potential anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in methanolic and aqueous extracts of roots of Couroupita guianensis in mice. These extracts were administered orally in a dose range of 125, 250 and 500mg/kg of the body weight. The anxiolytic activity [3] was evaluated using light and dark model; elevated plus maze model; and hole-board test. The results indicate that the methanolic and aqueous extract when administered at the stated doses augment (was able to increase) number of entries in light area; occupancy of open arm and in the number of head dips in the hole-board paradigms which indicates that both extracts posses anxiolytic activity when compared with diazepam (2mg/kg) as a standard. The antidepressant activity [4] was evaluated using tail suspension test and forced swim test, producing a decrease in the immobility time, similar to that of the imipramine (10mg/kg) which served as a positive control. These findings indicate significant (p<0.05) anxiolytic and antidepressant activity for methanolic extract as compared to aqueous extract. In conclusion, the results indicate that this plant possesses potential anxiolytic (through its action on benzodiazepine receptors) and antidepressant activity (through noradrenergic mechanisms) and has therapeutic potential in the treatment of CNS disorders.

References: [1] Lewis, Y.S. (1964) Curr. Sci. India 33:682.

[2] Aragão, G.F. et. al. (2006) Pharmacol. Biochem. Be. 85:827–834.

[3] Herrera-Ruiz, M. et. al. (2006)J. Ethnopharmacol. 107:53–58.

[4] Sharma, A. et.al (2001)J. Ethnopharmacol. 78:165–170.