Anxiolytic activity of Coconut water by GABA Modulation as Evidenced by Pharmacological Experiments and Molecular Docking Studies

Abstract

Objective: To determine the anxiolytic activity of coconut water by pre-clinical studies. Materials and Methods: The anxiolytic activity of coconut water was screened by neuropharmacology and molecular docking studies. Twenty-four adult female rats of the Wistar strain were divided equally into four groups: Group I: Distilled water [3ml/Kg]; Group II: Coconut water [3ml/Kg]; Group III: Diazepam [5mg/Kg]; Group IV: Coconut water [3ml/Kg] + Diazepam [2.5mg/Kg]. All agents were administered orally for 15 days. Elevated plus maze and light/dark arena apparatus tests were used to assess anxiety in rats. Once the pharmacological screening was done, rats were sacrificed, and brains were removed out to estimate GABA levels. An insilico docking of bio-active components in coconut water was done to probe the possible mechanism of action. Results: This study showed coconut water produced significant anxiolytic activity in rats. Brain biochemical analysis revealed coconut water significantly increased GABA levels. Computational studies revealed that the phytocompound ‘Zeatin’ in coconut water could block gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase, the enzyme responsible for GABA degradation, thereby increasing GABA levels. Conclusion: Coconut water has anxiolytic-like activity by modulating GABAergic neurotransmission.