Evaluation of antianxiety effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed oil in mice Khan A.K. Afzal, Ghanta Mohan Krishna, Nayaka Swapna R., Usha N.S.* Department of Pharmacology, MVJ Medical College & Research Hospital, Hoskote, Bangalore-562114, Karnataka, India *Corresponding author e-mail: drusha26@gmail.com
Online published on 26 December, 2023. Abstract Nigella sativa Linn. is found to be beneficial in various neurological disorders. The current study was undertaken to determine the anxiolytic property of N. sativa seed oil (NSSO). Passive avoidance and open field models were used to study the antianxiety effect. Twenty four adult Swiss albino male mice (20-30 g) were used in this study which were divided into four groups. Group I served as a control, Group II mice received standard drug diazepam, Group III served as treatment group which received NSSO and Group IV mice received both diazepam and NSSO for seven days. In the passive avoidance test, mice treated with N. sativa demonstrated a notable anxiolytic effect as compared to the control group. The step down latency period in the shock-free zone was significantly shortened, and there was a considerable rise in total time spent in the shock zone, but when compared to the standard control (diazepam) the results were insignificant. The test drug treated animals showed a sizable anxiolytic effect in the open field test when compared to the control as well as the standard control (diazepam) group. The number of squares crossed and the time spent in the central square was significantly increased. The time spent in frozen state was significantly decreased. Hence the findings of the study indicate that NSSO has a significant anxiolytic effect. Top Keywords Black cumin, Anxiolytic effect, Passive avoidance. Top |