Anti-Anxiety Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ficus religiosa Leaves in Experimental Animals

Background and Objective: Anxiety, a complex psychological and physiological state, negatively impacts various aspects of life. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anxiety effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves in experimental animals. Methodology: The anxiolytic effects were investigated in mice using the elevated plus-maze and light-dark models. Two oral doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg were administered, with diazepam (1mg/kg i.p.) as the standard. Parameters measured included total time and entries in open/closed arms and light/dark chambers. Results: Animals treated with the hydroalcoholic extract at 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant increase in time and entries in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze. Additionally, there was an increase in time spent on the illuminated side of the light–dark test compared to control animals. Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant anxiolytic activity in Swiss albino mice treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves. The exact mechanism remains unclear, suggesting a potential association with specific compounds in the leaves. Further research is required to identify and assess the active chemical constituents responsible for this anxiolytic activity.