Evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Saraswata Churna in the pilocarpine induced rat model of epilepsy

The aim of our present study was to assess Saraswata Churna's anxiolytic and anti-depressant efficacy in a Pilocarpine-induced epilepsy rat model. Depression and anxiety are major psychological symptoms in epilepsy patients, and they have a significant impact on health-related quality of life. Many cases of neurological problems have been treated using Saraswata Churna, an ayurvedic medicine. The elevated plus maze (EVPM) was used to assess anxiolytic action, while the forced swimming test (FST) was used to assess antidepressant activity. The EVPM test has been shown to be effective in determining the anxiolytic effects of pharmaceuticals and various steroid as well as non-steroid hormones, as well as identifying the brain locations and mechanisms that underpin anxiety-related behaviour in rodents. Saraswata churna was reported to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression in rats at a dosage of 500 mg/kg.b.w by increasing open arm time and decreasing closed arm entrance in the EVPM paradigm and increasing the duration of immobility in the FST model. As a result, Saraswata Churna could be used as an effective therapeutic agent for anxiety and depression.