Anxiolytic and Analgesic Potential of Asystasia gangetica: Experimental Evidence in Wistar rats
Potentiel Anxiolytique et Analgésique d'Asystasia Gangetica : Preuves Expérimentales chez le rat Wistar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67260/hra.v4i7.7875Keywords:
Asystasia gangetica, anxiety, pain, anxiolytic effect, analgesic effectAbstract
Introduction. Asystasia gangetica is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine to treat several conditions, including anxiety, seizures, asthma, and pain. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic and analgesic properties of the aqueous extract of Asystasia gangetica leafy stems in Wistar rats. Methods. A phytochemical analysis and an assessment of the acute toxicity of the extract were performed. Its anxiolytic activity (250 and 500 mg/kg) was studied in rats using the elevated cross maze and pinhole maze tests, in comparison to diazepam. Analgesic activity (200 and 400 mg/kg) was assessed using the tail-flick test, in reference to paracetamol, by measuring the tail-retraction latency time. Results. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and cardiotonic glycosides. No signs of toxicity were observed at the 5000 mg/kg dose. The extract significantly increased the time spent in open arms compared to groups of anxious rats treated with distilled water, as well as the time spent in holes by rats at the 500 mg/kg dose in the hole-board model, indicating an anxiolytic effect. In the tail-flick test, 60 minutes post-administration, the extract significantly increased the latency time before tail retraction in rats, demonstrating an analgesic effect. Conclusion. This study revealed that the aqueous extract of A. gangetica possesses anxiolytic and analgesic properties, which could justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and painful conditions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Laurelle Dadjeu, Essotolom Badjabaissi, K Mawubédjro Dossou-Yovo, Mindédé Assih, SC Janiba Sanvee, Mélodia Amegnran, Batomayena Bakoma, Aboudoulatif Diallo
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