Anxiety-Mitigating Potential of the Ethylene Extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera

Background: Tetrapleura tetraptera, a traditional herbal remedy in Sub-Saharan Africa, is widely recognised for aiding postpartum recovery. This study evaluates its potential anxiolytic effects in female Wistar rats. The objective of this study is to assess the anxiety-mitigating effects of the ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (TTE) in female Wistar rats. Method: Twelve rats were divided into two groups: a control group receiving distilled water and a test group receiving 100 mg/kg of TTE orally for 14 days. Anxiety-like behaviours were assessed using the Light-Dark Transition Box test. Parameters included entries into compartments, rearing frequency, and grooming behaviours. Data were analysed using independent t-tests, with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: TTE-treated rats exhibited fewer entries into the dark compartment (3.17 ± 0.54) compared to controls (4.17 ± 0.54), though not significant (p = 0.222). However, rearing frequency, an indicator of reduced anxiety, was significantly higher in the TTE group (23.17 ± 1.90) than in controls (10.67 ± 0.33, p < 0.001). Conclusion: TTE demonstrated anxiolytic effects, supporting its traditional use in postpartum care. Further studies are recommended to elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms.