NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF FRUIT PEELS AND THEIR POLYHERBAL FORMULATION: ANTIDEPRESSANT AND MUSCLE RELAXANT POTENTIAL

Objective: This study aims to assess the neuropharmacological properties of peels from specific fruits, namely Annona squamosa, Cucumis melo, Actinidia deliciosa, Malus pumila. Material and Method: Wistar albino rats (weighing 150 g), regardless of gender, were allocated into six groups for forced swim tests, locomotion assessments, and muscle coordination evaluations. Diazepam and imipramine were employed as reference standards. At doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, all peel extracts showed a reduction in immobility time, improved rotarod performance, and a notable increase in locomotor activity. Result and Discussion: The efficacy ranking for immobility time was as follows PHF>APMP>APCM>APAS>APAD. In terms of skeletal muscle relaxation, the order of effectiveness was: PHF>APCM>APMP>APAD>APAS and the treatment groups' locomotor activity followed this sequence: PHF>APMP>APCM>APAD>APAS. All the selected peel extracts exhibited noteworthy effects on immobility, locomotor activity, and muscle relaxation. However, a more comprehensive investigation is required to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of the selected peel extracts and PHF.