Evaluation of Neurobehavioral Effect of Citrullus Lanatus Juice on Albino Mice
Issue Details
Journal ID | 1 |
---|---|
Volume | 7 |
Number | 3 |
Year | 2017 |
Issue Date | 2017-09-07 00:00:00 |
Keywords:
Abstract:
Objective: To observe the effect of Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus on albino mice model of anxiety and depression.
Methodology: This experimental study was done in the Pharmacology department of Karachi University for a period of 02
months from 5th February-9th April 2016. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) was used. Animals were randomly assigned
into 4 groups A, B, C and D (n=10). Group A was control (normal saline). Group B was treated with Citrullus lanatus juice in
a dose of 3 ml/kg, Group C was given 6 ml/kg of juice. Two drugs (Diazepam and Fluxetin) were used as standard and given
to group D animals. All doses were administered orally. Level of anxiety and depression among animals was tested by light/dark
box test and forced swim test. Data was analyzed statistically.
Results: Animals treated with Citrullus lanatus juice showed marked reduction in anxiety which was evident from results of
light/dark box test while forced swim test revealed no effect on depression.
Conclusion: Citrullus lanatus contains important natural anti-oxidants like lycopene and vitamin C which prevent injury to
vital organs like liver, heart and brain from toxic effects of reactive oxygen species. Arginine in Citrullus juice is also precursor
of neurotransmitters like -Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. These results showed that Citrullus because of its
components like arginine played an important role in maintaining normal neurological function and ameliorated anxiety and
depression.
Objective: To observe the effect of Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus on albino mice model of anxiety and depression.
Methodology: This experimental study was done in the Pharmacology department of Karachi University for a period of 02
months from 5th February-9th April 2016. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) was used. Animals were randomly assigned
into 4 groups A, B, C and D (n=10). Group A was control (normal saline). Group B was treated with Citrullus lanatus juice in
a dose of 3 ml/kg, Group C was given 6 ml/kg of juice. Two drugs (Diazepam and Fluxetin) were used as standard and given
to group D animals. All doses were administered orally. Level of anxiety and depression among animals was tested by light/dark
box test and forced swim test. Data was analyzed statistically.
Results: Animals treated with Citrullus lanatus juice showed marked reduction in anxiety which was evident from results of
light/dark box test while forced swim test revealed no effect on depression.
Conclusion: Citrullus lanatus contains important natural anti-oxidants like lycopene and vitamin C which prevent injury to
vital organs like liver, heart and brain from toxic effects of reactive oxygen species. Arginine in Citrullus juice is also precursor
of neurotransmitters like -Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. These results showed that Citrullus because of its
components like arginine played an important role in maintaining normal neurological function and ameliorated anxiety and
depression.
Published: 2017-06-05
Last Modified: 2022-04-24 23:09:20