ANTIDEPRESSANT AND ANXIOLYTIC EFFECTS OF Tetracarpidium conophorum SEEDS IN SWISS MICE

Naturally, herbs are the principal constituent of herbal or traditional medicine used in managing and
treating diverse sicknesses and diseases globally. Tetracarpidiumconophorum belongs to the family
Euphorbiaceae and is traditionally used as a nerve tonic, amongst other conditions. This study
examined the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the aqueous extract of T. conophorum seed.
The antidepressant and anxiolytic indexes at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of T. conophorum extract and
standard drugs (30 mg/kg of Amitriptyline and 2 mg/kg of diazepam) were assessed in an animal model
using the force swimming, tail suspension and hole board tests. The animals (mice) were randomly
placed in five groups of three animals each (n=5). The extract expressed a significant decrease in the
immobility time (reduced depression) in the forced swim and tail suspension tests compared to distilled
water (negative control). The head-dip frequency was significantly reduced (slightest display of
anxiety) in the hole board test for anxiety. The 25 and 50 mg/kg of T. conophorum extract presented the
best impacts against depression and anxiety. In conclusion, the study affirms the capacity of T.
Conophorum extract to manage depression and anxiety. The probable mode(s) of action of T.
Conophorum extract as an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety agent is recommended for future studies.