EVALUATION OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF PUNICA GRANATUM LINN. ON FORCED SWIMMING INDUCED CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME IN MICE

Abstract

Objective: To study the protective effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Punica granatum Linn. (EEPG) on forced swimming induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in mice. Methods : Male albino mice of 25-40 grams were grouped into five groups taking 5 mice in each. Group A served as naïve control, Group B as stress control, Group C and D received EEPG at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively. Group E was given a standard drug (Imipramine 20 mg/kg). All animals received their respective agent orally daily for 7 d. Except for group A animals, animals in all other groups were subjected to force swimming 6 min daily for 7 d to induce a state of chronic fatigue. Animals were assessed for the duration of immobility on day 1 st, 3 rd, 5 th and 7 th. Level of anxiety (elevated plus maze and mirrored chamber test) and locomotor activity (open field test) were assessed 24 h after last force swimming which was followed by estimation of oxidative biomarkers in brain homogenate. Results : Treatment with EEPG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and imipramine resulted in a statistically significant (p≤0.05) reduction in anxiety and duration of immobility and there was a significant increase in locomotor activity when compared to stress control group. Significant reduction in MDA level and increase in catalase level were seen in EEPG and imipramine-treated group compared to stress control group. Conclusion : The study confirmed that EEPG has protective action effect against experimentally induced CFS.