Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Family: Lecythidaceae) popularly known as „cannon ball tree“ contains triterpenoids
[1] which have been implicated in anxiolytic and antidepressant activity [2]. Therefore
the present research was aimed to evaluate the potential anxiolytic and antidepressant
activity in methanolic and aqueous extracts of roots of Couroupita guianensis in mice. These extracts were administered orally in a dose range of 125, 250 and
500mg/kg of the body weight. The anxiolytic activity [3] was evaluated using light
and dark model; elevated plus maze model; and hole-board test. The results indicate
that the methanolic and aqueous extract when administered at the stated doses augment
(was able to increase) number of entries in light area; occupancy of open arm and
in the number of head dips in the hole-board paradigms which indicates that both extracts
posses anxiolytic activity when compared with diazepam (2mg/kg) as a standard. The
antidepressant activity [4] was evaluated using tail suspension test and forced swim
test, producing a decrease in the immobility time, similar to that of the imipramine
(10mg/kg) which served as a positive control. These findings indicate significant
(p<0.05) anxiolytic and antidepressant activity for methanolic extract as compared
to aqueous extract. In conclusion, the results indicate that this plant possesses
potential anxiolytic (through its action on benzodiazepine receptors) and antidepressant
activity (through noradrenergic mechanisms) and has therapeutic potential in the treatment
of CNS disorders.
References: [1] Lewis, Y.S. (1964) Curr. Sci. India 33:682.
[2] Aragão, G.F. et. al. (2006) Pharmacol. Biochem. Be. 85:827–834.
[3] Herrera-Ruiz, M. et. al. (2006)J. Ethnopharmacol. 107:53–58.
[4] Sharma, A. et.al (2001)J. Ethnopharmacol. 78:165–170.
