H. SABDARIFFA CALYCES ASH: ANTIANXIETY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY EVALUATION AND PREPARATION OF ITS TABLETS

Objective: Ash and its preparations have been used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments since 7th century AD. Numerous studies suggest that the elements present in ash have significant role in affective disorders. Thus, the present study aimed at evaluating the antianxiety and antidepressant activity of total ash of H. sabdariffa calyces, and also of the tablets of total ash. Methods: Powdered calyces were taken in tared silica crucible, and were incinerated at a temperature not exceeding 450 °C. The resultant ash was cooled and weighed. This was evaluated for antianxiety and antidepressant activity using an elevated plus maze and Porsolt’s swim test, respectively. Further, the ash samples were analysed through ICP-MS to know their composition. The ash was formulated into tablets using the wet granulation technique, using only organic excipients. Results: Results indicated that the total ash of H. sabdariffa calyces exhibited significant (p<0.001) antianxiety and antidepressant activity at 50 and 100 mg/kg, po, respectively. The activities were comparable to the standard drugs. ICP-MS analysis showed the presence of magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and calcium as major elements. Tablets of H. sabdariffa total ash were as effective (p<0.001) as the total ash. Conclusion: Magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and calcium have been reported to play a significant role in affective disorders, explaining, thereby, as to why ash of H. sabdariffa calyces exhibited anti-anxiety and antidepressant activity.