EVALUATION OF ANTI-ANXIETY ACTIVITY OF Sechium edule LEAF EXTRACT ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Ananya M. N.*, Karunakar Hegde

Anxiety is a complex emotional state triggered by uncertain or perceived threats and is characterized by behavioural, physiological, and subjective alterations that enhance threat detection. It plays a central role in several psychiatric disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and specific phobias. Despite the availability of pharmacological agents such as SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, many existing therapies are associated with significant adverse effects, tolerance, and limited long-term efficacy. Consequently, interest in complementary and plant-based treatments has increased, although strong clinical evidence remains limited. Sechium edule has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms such as nervousness and headaches; however, no scientific data exist supporting its anxiolytic potential. Therefore, the present study is designed to evaluate the anti-anxiety activity of Sechium edule leaves using appropriate experimental animal models.