Antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) leaves and Borago officinalis L. (Boraginaceae) leaves mixture in laboratory animals

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are two debilitating conditions that are often preceded by a triggering event. The experimental formula which contains an equal portion of Maerua angolensis DC. leaves and Borago officinalis L. leaves, is used by the Hausa community of Kano state for both depression and anxiety. This study aims to scientifically assess the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of the mixture and establish its safety profile in laboratory animals. The LD₅₀ of the extract was estimated to be approximately 2154 mg/kg in mice. The extract showed neither significant reduction in immobility time in forced swim and tail suspension test, nor impact on line crossing following an open field task. The extract at 600 and 300 mg/kg significantly increased the number of entries and permanence time into open arms in elevated plus maze test and increased both the number of head-dip and upward stairs climbed following hole board and staircase tasks respectively. Following 28-days administration, the extract significantly increased the level of alkaline phosphatase. The findings suggest that the formula has shown some level of anxiolytic activity with no significant effect in animal models of depression. The herbal mixture was also found to be relatively safe in animal model.