ASTOUNDING THE ANXIOLYTIC, ANTIDEPRESSANT AND COGNITIVE POTENTIAL OF FRAGARIA ANANASSA FRUITS AND LEAVES

Abstract

Background: Several herbs are used in conventional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Fragaria ananassa (FA) fruits and leaves have bioactive components like phenolic and polyphenolic and posses antioxidant properties. A 2013 report from the World Health Organization estimates that 450 million people have mental and behavioral illnesses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of fragaria ananassa fruits and leaves on animal behavior, specifically anxiety, depression, and cognition.

Methods: The study was conducted in swiss albino mice weight between 25g-30g, divided into eight groups. Test  groups receievd different doses of  fragaria ananassa fruit extract (FAFE) and fragari ananassa Leafe Extract (FALE) i.e. 100 mg/kg, 300mg/kg, 500mg/kg. Anxiolytic effect of Strawberry fruit and leaf extracts was determined by Light and Dark Box Test and  Antidepressant activity was assisted by Tail Suspension Test. Cognitive analysis was done on swiss albino mice weight between 25g-30g, using y-maze test, animals were divided in to 8 groups, two readings per day for three consecutive days were taking to evaluate cognitive behavior of mice. A  p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Result illustrated that FA fruit and leaf  extracts   have a insignificant potential of reducing anxiety and significant (P < 0.001)  potential in improving depression and enhancing cognitive effect.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrate improvement in anxiety, depression and  congnitive effects with FA fruit and leaf extracts. However further additional studies will be necessary to determine the underlying exact mechanism and clinical uses.