Integrated OF-HC-EPM approach to assess sedative-anxiolytic potential of honey derived from mustard (Brassica nigra) flower

Abstract

Background: Mustard honey, a monofloral honey derived from mustard flower is considered a great source of nutritional and medicinal values. The honey is traditionally used as ethnomedicine in different parts of the world to cure many health problems. The present study aimed to evaluate its sedative-anxiolytic potential by integrating three conventional methods in a sequential order. Methods: Open field, hole cross and elevated plus maze experiments were performed in a row with a single oral administration of honey to the Swiss Albino mice. Behavioral parameters like square crossing, rearing, grooming, hole crossing and entry/duration in open arm were observed for each animal in different time intervals. Results: The findings were compared to that of a standard drug, diazepam (1 mg/kg). Mustard honey at higher doses showed sedative activity (4 g/kg and 6 g/kg) whereas with low doses (2 g/kg) exhibited anxiolytic potential. The physicochemical properties of honey were also screened in this study. Conclusions: The integrated method proved to be an effective approach for assessment of neuropharmacological potential for crude or standard medicine. However, further analysis was recommended to investigate active compound which may lead to a new drug development.