Anxiolytic Effect of Zinc Oxide in Wistar Albino Rats: An Elevated PlusMaze Study

Introduction: Anxiety disorders are prevalent psychiatric illnesses, and the search for effective treatments with minimal side effects continues. Zinc, an essential micro-nutrient, plays a crucial role in central nervous system physiology and has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. Methods: This study evaluated the anxiolytic activity of zinc oxide in albino rats using the elevated plus-maze model. Rats were divided into seven groups and administered zinc oxide (7.5, 15, 30 mg/kg) or diazepam (1, 2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Parameters recorded included time spent in open and closed arms and number of entries into each arm. Results: Zinc oxide (15 mg/kg) significantly increased time spent in open arms (113.33±3.6 sec) and entries into open arms (3.55±0.23) compared to controls. Diazepam (2 mg/kg) also showed significant anxiolytic effects. The combination of zinc oxide (7.5 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) produced antianxiety activity, indicating potentiation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the anxiolytic effects of zinc oxide (15 mg/kg) and diazepam (2 mg/kg) in albino rats using the elevated plus-maze model. Zinc oxide’s mechanism of action may involve inhibition of post-synaptic NMDA receptors. The potentiation of diazepam’s effect by low-dose zinc oxide suggests a potential therapeutic combination for anxiety disorders. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and explore zinc’s role in treating central nervous system disorders.