Neuropharmacological Evaluation Of Herbal Extracts For Anxiolytic And Antidepressant Activity

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders that significantly impact quality of life and global health. Although conventional pharmacological therapies such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the mainstay of treatment, they are often associated with side effects, dependence, and limited efficacy in certain patient populations. This has encouraged growing interest in herbal medicines as potential alternatives or adjuncts for the management of anxiety and depression. In the present study, selected herbal extracts were evaluated for their neuropharmacological activities using validated animal models. The extracts were screened for anxiolytic activity using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Box tests, and for antidepressant activity using the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which may contribute to central nervous system modulation. Results demonstrated significant improvement in behavioral parameters compared with control groups, suggesting anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. The findings support the therapeutic potential of herbal extracts as natural alternatives in the management of mood and anxiety disorders, warranting further clinical investigation.