Investigating the anti-diabetic, anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effect of euphorbia prostrata in alloxan monohydrate induced mice

Abstract

Abstract The present study aims to scientifically validate certain pharmacological activities of Euphorbia prostrata (E. prostrata) plant extracts and investigate their anti-diabetic, anti-depressant, and anti-anxiety effects. The extraction process employed the Soxhlet apparatus method, using methanol as the solvent. Thirty albino mice were purchased from the local market and divided into five groups, each comprising six mice. Group I served as the negative control, while Group II acted as the positive control. Groups III and IV received two different concentrations (150 and 300 mg/kg) of methanolic plant extract, and Group V was treated with the standard drug Glibenclamide at 10 mg/kg. Blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. In diabetic control mice treated with high doses of the plant extract, the blood glucose-lowering impact was more pronounced during this period. Glibenclamide also reduced glucose concentrations comparably to the high dose of plant extract. The anti-diabetic effect of mice administered 300 mg/kg methanol extract paralleled that of mice receiving 10 mg/kg Glibenclamide on the 31st day. To evaluate the anti-depressant activity of E. prostrata, the forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test were conducted. Similarly, the anti-anxiety activity was assessed through the open field test, novel object recognition test, and elevated plus maze test. These tests were carried out on days 1st, 15th, and 30th, and on days 2nd, 16th, and 31st during treatment, respectively, except for the novel object recognition test, which was performed on the last two days of treatment. Results from the behavioural tests indicated that E. prostrata exhibited a potent effect against depressive and anxiolytic behaviour. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA presented all results as mean ± SD, with significance considered at P < 0.05.