Evaluation of Anxiolytic Effects of Justicia secunda Methanol Leaf Extract and Its Chemical Constituents in Mice

INTRODUCTION: The use of benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to treat depression has severe adverse effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the methanolic leaf extract of Justicia secunda (MLEJS) on anxiety and depression in mice. METHODS: In this study, animals were male Swiss mice weighing 20-25 g. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) phytochemical analysis of MLEJS was performed to verify the different bioactive components. An acute oral toxicity study was performed based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline, No.423. We investigated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of MLEJS (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression and flumazenil/benzodiazepine interaction in GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) receptors. The open field test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test were performed to evaluate the depressive-like behavior in mice. Also, hole-board, light/dark box, elevated plus maze, thiopental sodium, and rotarod motor coordination tests were used as a screening paradigm for the anxiolytic effect of MLEJS. RESULTS: The MLEJS had an anxiolytic-like effect by increasing the exploration of the open arms and reducing the exploration of the closed arms in the elevated plus maze, light/dark box, and hole-board test. Moreover, LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in mice was reversed by the MLEJS (P<0.05). The significant attenuation of proinflammatory mediators and suppression of oxidative and nitrosative stress could be responsible for the observed effects (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The MLEJS can be an efficient therapeutic option against anxiety and depression concomitantly.