Synergistic Anxiolytic Effect of Curcumin and Zinc on Acute and Chronic Models of Anxiety in Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety disorders being ranked at sixth position in the global burden of diseases is affecting over 250 million people. Curcumin, an active phytochemical flavonoid, has shown to induce the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin, a prominent neurotransmitter in modulating the brain state in anxiety. Also, evidences reveal that zinc plays a key role in human neurodevelopment and supplementation of zinc enhanced the efficacy of antidepressant drugs through synergistic action. Aim: To evaluate the synergistic antianxiety effect of curcumin and zinc on acute and chronic models of anxiety in male swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 20-30 g, were randomly grouped to six groups, such that each group consisted of six mice. Group 1 served as control. Group 2 received standard drug diazepam 3 mg/kg Intra Peritoneal (IP). Group 3 and 4 received curcumin at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Group 5 and 6 received curcumin at doses 5 and 10 mg/kg per oral (p.o) along with zinc chloride 10 mg/kg IP, respectively. The anxiolytic effect was studied in two validated models of anxiety such as Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test and light/dark box test. Each animal was tested initially in the EPM followed by light/dark box test after administration of drug/vehicle one hour prior to the experiment in acute study. Following a washout period of one week, the animals were utilised for the study of chronic anxiolytic effect wherein the drugs were administered once daily for 14 days. Results: Curcumin at doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg with zinc chloride 10 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the number of entries and time spent in open arm in EPM both on acute and chronic administration (p<0.001). In the light/dark box test, curcumin at doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg when given along with zinc chloride 10 mg/kg significantly increased the number of entries and time spent in the light compartment both in acute and chronic models (p<0.001). Conclusion: The anxiolytic effect of synergistic action of curcumin and zinc was efficacious in both acute and chronic models of anxiety in mice.

Keywords

• antianxiety agents
• elevated plus maze
• light dark box