THIS study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of Duchesnea Indica. The methanolic extract and n-hexane fraction of plant were tested in albino mice (20-30 g of 6-8 week). Safety profile of each extract was determined at different doses. Anxiolytic effect of plant was determined by Elevated Plus Maze and Light and Dark Model at different doses of methanolic and n-hexane extract. Antidepressant activities were assisted by Tail Suspension and Forced Swim Model at different doses. Result illustrated that D. Indica had a significant (P < 0.05) potential of reducing anxiety and depression. The methanolic extract at 100 mg and 200 mg significantly increased the time spend in light region of light and dark model and more time spent in open arm of Elevated Plus Maze model. n-hexane extract at dose of 5 mg and 10 mg/kg significantly increases the time spend in light region of Light and dark model and more time spend in open arm of Elevated Plus Maze model as compare to Control group. Methanolic extract of D. Indica significantly reduced the time of immobility in Tail Suspension and Force Swim Model at Dose of 100 mg and 200mg/kg. n-hexane extract also exhibit anti-depressant effect by reducing the time of immobility in Force swim and tail suspension Model at 100 mg and 200mg/kg dose as compare to control group. From the above observations, it could be assumed that the plant has marked anxiolytic and antidepressant potential. However further additional studies will be necessary to determine the underlying exact mechanism and clinical uses.
Keywords: Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects; Duchesnea Indica; crude extract; hexane fraction.