Evaluation of Anxiolytic effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Social Interaction, Light and Dark and Elevated Plus Maze in Wistar albino Rat Models

Background and Objective: Anxiety is a widespread mental illness that impacts millions of individuals globally. The investigation of safe and effective treatments for anxiety disorders is vital due to their substantial impact on world health. There is hope for the creation of new anxiolytic treatments through the use of traditional medicinal plants. The objective of this study was to assess the anxiolytic properties of a polyherbal formulation made up of nine medicinal plants that have been shown to have potential uses in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods: Wistar albino rats were given a polyherbal formulation that included Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Nardostachys jatamansi, Centella asiatica, Matricaria recutita, Rhodiola rosea, Crocus sativus, Lavandula spp., and Albizia julibrissin. Different behavioral tests, including as the elevated plus maze, the light and dark box test, and the social interaction test, were used to evaluate the formulation's anxiolytic effects. Four groups of twenty-four healthy Wistar albino rats were given varying dosages of the test formulation. The formulation's anxiolytic activity was assessed by recording and analyzing behavioral reactions. Result: The results of the study showed that rats given the polyherbal formulation showed much better behavioral responses in every test. Strong anxiolytic effects were evident in the rats given the maximum dosage of the formulation, as they showed a significant increase in social contact, a preference for open arms in the elevated plus maze, and a decreased aversion to light areas in the light and dark box test. Conclusion: Anxiolytic activity of the polyherbal formulation in Wistar albino rats was positive, indicating that it may be useful in treating anxiety disorders. These results add to the increasing amount of data that supports the use of herbal remedies to treat anxiety and emphasize the need for more studies to fully investigate the therapeutic potential of formulations containing many herbs.