The anti-depressant and anxiolytic properties of the lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae)

Introduction: This study seeks to determine the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica (LAL-MP) in mice. Methods: LAL-MP was administered orally to mice at 50 – 500 mg/kg, daily for 14 days, after which mice were individually subjected to the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests, the elevated plus maze (EPM) model and locomotor activity count. Results: Generally, LAL-MP from 100 to 500 mg/kg exhibit antidepressant and anxiolytic properties in all 4 models of depression and dose levels at 400 and 500 mg/kg were found to be equipotent with the standard drug fluoxetine. Conclusions: This is the first report on the combined antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of LAL-MP.