Phytochemical screening and pharmacological assessment of the anxiolytic potential of ethanolic extract of Gerbera jamesonii adlam flowers in swiss albino mice

The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is associated with neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety. Antioxidant therapy, particularly with polyphenols and flavonoids, shows promise in mitigating these conditions. This study evaluated the anxiolytic effects of an ethanolic extract of Gerbera jamesonii Adlam flowers (EEGJ) in Swiss albino mice. The anxiolytic activity was assessed using the elevated plus maze, hole board, open field, and light-dark tests, with EEGJ administered at doses of 200-400 mg/kg and compared to buspirone (10 mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis of EEGJ revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, with total phenolic and flavonoid contents measured at 329.39 mg GAE/g and 635.22 mg RT/g, respectively. EEGJ demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 64.0 µg/mL) similar to ascorbic acid (53.6 µg/ mL). At 400 mg/kg, EEGJ showed significant anxiolytic effects (p < 0.05) across all tests, marked by increased entries and time spent in open arms of the elevated plus maze and significant results in other behavioural tests. These results indicate that EEGJ has notable anxiolytic potential, supporting its potential role as a natural antianxiety agent.