THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES EXTRACT IN SINGLE PROLONGED STRESS INDUCED ANIMAL MODEL OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

M.pharm in Pharmacology

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric condition triggered by traumatic experiences, presenting with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, avoidance, and cognitive impairment. Current treatments are often inadequate and associated with adverse effects. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Evolvulus alsinoides (EEEA) in a validated Single Prolonged Stress (SPS) mouse model of PTSD. Swiss albino mice were subjected to SPS involving restraint, forced swim, and ether anesthesia, followed by a 7-day incubation period. Animals were then treated orally for 14 days with vehicle, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), or EEEA at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Behavioral analyses included the Elevated Plus Maze, Forced Swim Test, Sucrose Preference Test, Social Interaction Test, Y-Maze, Marble Burying Test, and Fear Conditioning with Extinction. EEEA, particularly at 400 mg/kg, significantly improved anxiety-like, depressive, and cognitive behaviors by increasing open arm entries (6.64 ± 0.03), reducing immobility (60.77 ± 0.78 s), enhancing sucrose intake (2.72 ± 0.04 mL), social interaction (30.94 ± 0.02 s), spontaneous alternation, and reducing marble burying (8.51 ± 0.13). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and phenolics. These findings suggest that Evolvulus alsinoides exerts significant anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cognitive-enhancing effects in PTSD, likely through neuromodulatory and neuroprotective mechanisms, and may serve as a promising herbal therapeutic

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