Therapeutic Potential of a Phytochemical-rich Herbal Formulation(Ezenus) in the Modulation of Stress and Anxiety-related Behaviors:Evidence from Preclinical Models

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress and anxiety have been linked to detrimental physiological impacts that can diminish quality of life. Herbal formulations are being progressively investigated as alternative therapies. This study assessed the anxiolytic and anti-stress properties of Ezenus, a commercially marketed herbal candy for stress relief. It investigated its impact on certain brain neurotransmitters in an experimental animal model. METHODS: A controlled experimental study was performed utilizing Wistar rats (n = 30), randomly allocated into five groups (n = 6/group): vehicle control, diazepam (2 mg/kg), and three doses of Ezenus (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg). The anxiolytic effect was evaluated by the elevated plus maze, open field test, and rotarod test. The swimming endurance test and the tail suspension test assessed the anti-stress effects. Dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Data were examined using appropriate statistical procedures, with significance set at p < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Ezenus exhibited dose-dependent anxiolytic-like effects, with the maximum dosage (800 mg/kg) demonstrating behavioral outcomes akin to diazepam in anxietyrelated models. In stress paradigms, groups treated with Ezenus demonstrated notable alterations in behavioral responses compared to stress controls. A neurochemical study demonstrated markedly elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin in Ezenus-treated rats compared with stressed controls. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Ezenus demonstrates anxiolytic and anti-stress effects in preclinical models, likely mediated by monoaminergic neurotransmitter regulation. Although these findings are favorable, further mechanistic studies and clinical trials are necessary to validate their therapeutic efficacy.