Ms. AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF TRACHY SPERMUM AMMI EXHIBIT COMPARABLE ANTIDEPRESSANT AND ANXIOLYTIC EFFECT TO IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND DIAZEPAM

Abstract

The importance of herbal medicines in treating various ailments or diseases is phenomenal and cannot be denied due to their safe use and efficacy; Trachyspermum ammi commonly known as ajwain belongs to the family Umbelliferae and a commonly used spice in home cooking. It contains various phytoconstituents which have several pharmacological effects against a number of diseases. The objective of the study is to screen the therapeutic potential such as anti-depressant and anxiolytic activities using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant seeds on laboratory animals. The antidepressant activity was seen by both extracts (p?0.001) in the “forced swim test”. Significant anxiolytic activity (p?0.001) of both extracts of Trachyspermum ammi was observed by “open field test” and “Light and dark activity”. Diazepam and Imipramine were used as standard drugs to evaluate anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects respectively. The comparable results of both extracts of Trachyspermum ammi with the respective standard drugs are suggestive of enhancing GABA receptors for anxiety suppression while inhibiting MAO to exhibiting antidepressant effects. We can conclude through this study that treatment through natural ways opens doors for a new treatment protocol that can benefit us, with the least possibility of facing any adverse effect.