[Effects of Dacryodes edulis fruit oil on anxiety symptoms and cognitive performance in mice, after prolonged administration]

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of prolonged administration of Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam (HDE) fruit oil on the symptoms of anxiety and cognitive performance in mice.

Methods: Anxiolytic activity and effects of HDE (5 and 10 ml/kg) on cognitive performance were evaluated in male mice after oral administration for 45 days. Anxiolytic effects were investigated in open field test, elevated plus Maze and hole board test. The Morris Water Maze test was used to evaluate cognitive performance in mice. Efficacy of HDE (5 and 10 ml/kg) was compared with that of fluoxetine (2 mg/kg p.o).

Results: HDE decreases the total distance traveled, significantly increases the number of adjustments and the number of entries in the central area of open field. In the elevated cross labyrinth test, HDE increases the number of entries and the time spent in the open arms. HDE significantly increases the number of head insertion into the holes. In the Morris Water Maze test, HDE reduces latency before finding the platform and increases the time spent in the target quadrant.

Conclusion: The results confirm anxiolytic effects and improved cognitive performance after prolonged oral administration of HDE in rodents.

Keywords: Anxiety; Anxiété; Dacryodes edulis; Learning; Memory; Mémoire; apprentissage.