Article 3297
Article 3297
Article 3297
Abstract:
Anxiety is an emotion of uneasiness, fear, or discomfort. It causes restlessness and difficulty in focus.
Recently due to the high costs of allopathic medicines and increasing adverse effects, the trend has
switched to exploring nutrients in normal diet that can be therapeutically beneficial. Cherry,
pineapple, and coconut milk have a great impact on CNS activity because they contain different
flavonoids and other phytochemicals. This study was designed to assess the anxiolytic and memory-
boosting potential of cocktail of cherry juice, pineapple juice and coconut milk. This study was
performed on albino mice weighing 18-22gm of both sexes. Mice were divided into 2 groups. Group
I was taken as Control and was given normal saline 0.4ml. Group II was taken as treated and given a
cocktail 0.4ml. The head dip, light and dark model, cage crossing, open field, and elevated plus maze
were used to evaluate effects on anxiety. The stationary rod test was used to evaluate memory-
boosting effects. Our study showed significant anxiolytic activities (p ≤ 0.05) of cocktail in mice.
Head dip activity, light and dark activity, cage crossing activity, and elevated plus maze show highly
significant (p≤ 0.001) result on anxiety. Open field activity showed significant (p ≤0.05) result on
anxiety. Stationary rod activity showed highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) result on memory boosting
effect. It was concluded that the administration of the cocktail had an anxiolytic and positive effect
on memory because it possesses antioxidant components such as multivitamins, minerals and
flavonoids. It has less adverse effect as compare to allopathic drugs.
INTRODUCTION:
Anxiety is a reaction of uneasiness, fear, worry or discomfort. It interrupt the daily routine of the
person because it causes restlessness and difficulty in focus. The general symptoms are palpitation,
muscular tension, dry mouth, sweaty hands or feet, light headache, raised blood pressure, and
churning in the stomach. The exact cause of anxiety is unknown. It may be hereditary or due to any
underlying disease such as; cancer, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes etc, Bipolar
disorder or Major depressive disorder, and minimized levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter i.e. gamma
amino butyric acid (GABA) also cause anxiety, it can also be due to history of any trauma, parenting
factors and socioeconomics etc. It can also be due to prolonged use of drugs, misuse or withdrawal
of many drugs including tobacco, alcohol or sedatives etc[1].
A balanced and healthy lifestyle plays a major role in treating the anxiety. Lack of sleep can
exacerbate anxiety,[2, 3] caffeinated beverages also trigger anxiety. Caffeine is a CNS stimulant and
triggers all types of jittery physiological effects like palpitation and trembling hands leading to
agitation and restlessness[2]. Exercise reduces stress hormones, relieves tension, and increases the
serotonin and endorphin neurotransmitters [3].
Antidepressants are prescribed as a first-line management for anxiety disorder. In antidepressants,
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are newer options and recommended as first-line
agents to treat long-term anxiety. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and
tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) are also effective treatments. Benzodiazepines are used as the
second line of treatment. Beta-blockers are also used to treat anxiety. All drugs provide temporary
relief, and have side effects and safety concerns [4, 5].
Recently due to increasing adverse effects of allopathic medicines, the trend has switched to exploring
the nutrients in normal diet that can be therapeutically beneficial. It is currently extensively held that
the antioxidants contained in fruits (berry family) and vegetables can provide protection against
certain human degenerative conditions that are linked with oxygen free radical damage and improve
memory in older adults[6]. Evidence stated that those foods which are rich in these three specific
flavonoid such as, the flavanols, anthocyanins and/or flavanones, acquire the maximum capability to
take action on the cognitive activity. Cherry, pineapple and coconut milk have a great impact on CNS
activity because they contain different flavonoids[7].
The botanical name of cherry is Prunus avium. This specie of cherry is native to Europe, Maghreb
and Western Asia. It belongs to Rosaceae family. The main chemical constituents of cherry are mallic
acid, glucose, flavanoids such as anthocyanins, flavonol and flavan-3-ols compounds. Anthocyanins
are the most abundant flavonoids in sweet cherry. It reduces the growth of cancerous cell[8]. It is
known fact that Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer result in oxidative damage.
It is also rich in phenolic acids[9].
The botanical name of pineapple is Ananas comosus. It is belongs to the family Bromeliaceous. The
main chemical constituents of pineapples are bromelain, phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides,
carotenoids, sugar and volatile compounds[10].
The botanical name of coconut is Cocos nucifera and it belongs to the family Arecaceae. It is rich in
minerals, fiber and vitamins [11]. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of cocktail
comprising of cherry juice, pineapple juice and coconut milk on the anxiety and memory of mice.
Neuropharmacological screening:
The following tests were carried out for evaluation of CNS activity.
Procedure:
Before starting the test, mice were familiarized with environment. Mice were placed one at a time in
the center of the hole board and allowed to explore freely in the apparatus for 5minutes. The number
of holes explored by mice was the measure of the head dip test .
Procedure:
A single albino mouse was placed in the centre of the apparatus gently with the help of tail. Rodent
was allowed freely to explore and move in the arena for 5minutes. The number of times the mouse
crossed the cage was observed[13].
Procedure:
Single albino mouse was placed in the center of apparatus gently by the help of tail. Rodents were
allowed freely to explore and move in the arena for 5minutes. Observe the number of times the mice
moved in peripheral and central squares. Each line crossed was scored as one unit of activity.
Procedure:
The mice were transferred individually in the center of the brightly illuminated compartment facing
away from the separator. Mice were free to move in light and dark compartments for 5 minutes.
Observe the time spent in each compartment by mice or record the transitions in the light
compartments.
Procedure:
Albino mice were placed gently by the tail in the centre of the plus shaped apparatus. Mice were
allowed freely to move and explore the maze for 5 minutes. Observe the time spent in each arm and
transition from open arm to enclosed arm.
Procedure:
Gently hold the mouse by the tail and place the mouse on the rod. Before starting the test, short
training was given to albino mouse and allowed to balance on horizontal rod. During the experiment
the mouse was allowed to walk separately on rod. Observe the time taken to cross the rod to another
platform.
RESULTS:
Results have been analyzed by applying SPSS 20. By taking means of all values, the treated group
was compared to control group. One-way Anova was applied and values of P<0.05 were considered
as significant, P<0.01 was more significant and P<0.001 was considered highly significant. We took
a cocktail of cherry juice, pineapple juice and coconut milk to check different parameters of CNS
activity.
Results of phytochemistry of red cherry juice, pineapple juice and coconut milk have been mentioned
in Table 1.
Neuropharmacological screening:
Effects of Cocktail on Head dip Activity:
Post-hoc analysis by scheffe test showed that number of head dip was decreased highly significantly
(p<0.001) by cocktail of pineapple, red cherry and coconut milk throughout the period from 7th day
to 45th day. Table 2 shows the effect of cocktail of pineapple, red cherry and coconut milk on head
dip activity of mice. Result indicate reduction in head dips as compared to control throughout
treatment period.
Table 6: Effect of cocktail on light and dark activity (Time spent in light compartment)
MEANS (n)± STANDARD DEVIATION
GROUPS BASELINE DAY 15 DAY 30 DAY 45
CONTROL 80.80±0.632 79.20±1.032 78.60±1.074 79.00±1.247
TREATED 75.20±1.032 86.70±1.337*** 98.30±1.059*** 105.30±1.418***
n= time (sec)
Values are Mean ± SD
P values are;
*** p<0.001 is highly significant as compared to control
Table 7: Effect of cocktail on elevated plus maze activity(Time spent in open arm)
MEANS (n)± STANDARD DEVIATION
GROUPS BASELINE DAY 15 DAY 30 DAY 45
CONTROL 85.70±1.159 86.10±1.100 86.70±1.159 86.60±1.074
TREATED 82.10±0.875 96.10±0.875*** 124.70±2.750*** 137.20±4.442***
n= time (sec)
Values are Mean ± SD
P values are;
*** p<0.001 is highly significant as compared to control
DISCUSSION:
A few responsible effects were linked with anxiety such as emotional, physical, cognitive effects.
Deregulation of serotonergic, Gabaergic, adrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitters may cause
anxiety[20]. The serotonin transporter i.e. 5-HTT regulates neurotransmission of serotonin by means
of clearance of serotonin. Increase in the concentration of serotonin in extracellular would be likely
to cause overload activity at postsynaptic receptors of serotonin, which in turn caused increased
anxiety like behavior. So the abnormalities in serotonin transporter or its function were found to cause
anxiety or mood disorders. Serotonin transporter was the main target for anxiolytics and
antidepressants, these drugs block the serotonin transporter [21].
Phytochemical-rich foods such as flavonoids, anthocyanins have been shown to have a positive
impact on memory and learning and cognitive function in both animals and humans [22]. Cherry,
pineapple and coconut milk have a great impact on CNS activity because cherry contains
anthocyanins which have a memory boosting effects. Pineapple contains mineral salts, iodine,
magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium & iron. Coconut milk contains phosphorous, calcium
and potassium. All these minerals have memory enhancing effects [23]. Fruits are important source
of many therapeutics effects including anti-cancer, memory boosting, anti-depressant, anxiolytic,
anti-spasmodic and anti-microbial effect etc[24]. Phytochemical analysis of cherry juice, pineapple
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Anxiolytic And Memory Boosting Effect Of Fruit Cocktail (Cherry Juice, Pineapple Juice And Coconut Milk)
juice and coconut milk revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoid, alkaloids, and
carbohydrates. The chemical constituents present in juice have been reported to possess a lot of
therapeutic value[25].
Recently carbohydrates were being used to produce polysaccharide immune-modulator with vaccine
and therapeutic implications[26]. Glucose provides chief metabolic energy for the brain and for that
reason it is necessary for intellectual performance[24]. Flavonoids are able to stimulate improvements
in memory gaining, storage, consolidation and recovery. Flavonoids of numerous classes are
inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A or B, in that way working as anti-depressants or to recover the
conditions of Parkinson’s patients. Flavanones, Flavanols and anthocyanidines have protective
property preventing inflammatory processes leading to nerve damage. Anthocyanins, members of
flavonoid group have an anti-oxidant property, it may provide protection from DNA cleavage, anti-
inflammatory property, boosting production of cytokines, lipid peroxidation, cardiovascular disease
protection which is linked to oxidative stress protection. Anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic
activity of tannins may be interlinked with their anti-oxidative property which is important in
protection of cellular oxidative damage, as well as lipid peroxidation[7]. The anti-microbial properties
of tannins are well documented. Saponins have an effect on immune system, so it protect against
cancers, it also lower cholesterol level. Saponins decreases blood lipids lower the blood glucose
response and lower risk of cancer [27]. Alkaloids have been reported for wide range of biological
activities such as anti-tumor, anti-cholinergic, anti-hypertensive, anti-viral, anti-nociceptive, anti-
microbial, myorelaxant and anti-inflammatory effects [28]. Minerals serve as nutritional sources for
both animals and plants. Inorganic elements have also been reported to play an essential role in
nutrition and they are important structural component of cellular processes. Elements such as
potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese, magnesium and iron play important roles in human health
and to cure different diseases[29].
Initially when mice were placed in the apparatus of head dip, they moved to the holes to try to escape,
So due to state of fear after exposure of apparatus anxiety developed. Neophilia response decreased
as the mice became familiar with the environment i.e. exploratory behavior of head dipping dropped
as the hole board apparatus lost its novelty. This reduction in poking could also be associated with
increased learning behavior that mice learnt not to poke as there is no chance to escape. The
significant decline in head dip activity after administration of cocktail may show improved learning
ability of mice[19]. So our observation proposed that cocktail reduced stress and improved memory.
When mice were placed in apparatus, due to state of fear mice crossed the cage several times.
Neophilic response decreased as the mice become familiar with the environment but after
administration of cocktail, number of crossing decreased. Neuropharmacological screening of
cocktail revealed that locomotor and exploratory activities were decreased after cocktail
administration, it showed that cocktail possesses anxiolytic property. This reduction in cage crossing
is also related with enlarged learning behavior that mice learn not to cross the cage again and again
as there is no chance to escape[19]. The reduction in number of cage crosses is related with anxiolytic
and calming profile of cocktail. 5HT enhances locomotor activity and increases anxiety, so this
cocktail could decrease the level of 5HT. Behavior and exploratory activity can be varied in mice
with the intensity of light and disturbances in the environment. The phytochemical screening of the
cocktail exposed the presence of glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, phenol and tannins. So it
might be possible that anxiolytic action of cocktail could be mediated by these phytochemicals.
Our result was highly significant. It showed that cocktail of cherry, pineapple and coconut milk
possessed anxiolytic and calming property which reduced the exploratory and locomotor activity.
Decrease in peripheral region in open field may also be linked to the improved learning behavior, as
mice learnt that there is no possibility to run away[19]. Crossings in the central region was increased
so we proposed that this cocktail reduced stress. It has been studied that the chemical constituent of
plant containing alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oil, phenolic acid, tannins and saponins possess
activity which is effective against many central nervous system disorders or it might be possible that
cocktail could mediate the effects of GABA neurotransmitters by binding with GABA receptors, so
opening of chloride ion occur which causes hyperpolarization, and muscle relaxation occur.
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Anxiolytic And Memory Boosting Effect Of Fruit Cocktail (Cherry Juice, Pineapple Juice And Coconut Milk)
Our result in light and dark activity was highly significant. Due to the presence of flavonoids,
alkaloids and other phytochemicals in cocktail, it produced anxiolytic like activity. Because
flavonoids possess many beneficial effects such as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-
proliferative and anti-depressants[7, 29].
Cocktail revealed anxiolytic activity since time spent in open arm was increased which was the main
representative index of anxiolytic activity. In addition, environmental factors, genetic mutations,
differences in background strain or pharmacological treatment can impact behavioral motivation,
locomotor activity or exploratory behavior for novelty of mice. The cocktail could mediate the effects
of GABA neurotransmitters by binding with GABA receptors, so opening of chloride ion occur which
causes hyperpolarization.
The effect of cocktail on stationary rod test indicated that cherry, pineapple and coconut milk behaved
as a very good memory booster. The effect of cocktail on stationary rod test might be due to its anti-
oxidant property. Cherry, pineapple and coconut milk have a great impact on CNS activity because
cherry contains anthocyanins which have a memory boosting effects. Pineapple contains mineral
salts, iodine, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium & iron. And coconut milk contains
phosphorous, calcium and potassium. All these minerals have memory enhancing effects [29].
CONCLUSION:
Traditional medicines have successful use when compared with synthetic drug due to fewer side
effects. Natural remedies contain many phytochemicals and it is capable of treating diseases more
effectively with less or no side effects in comparison with synthetic drugs. Due to these adverse
effects of synthetic drugs, current study was carried out. This cocktail of cherry, pineapple and
coconut milk contains many active compounds. Phytochemical studies have been done to check
active compounds. A positive anxiolytic and memory boosting result was obtained. Further studies
can be carried out to evaluate the exact active constituent responsible for these effects.
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