Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
Vol 15, No 1 (2026)

Exploration of the Anxiolytic Potential of Red Shoot Leaf Extract through Elevated Plus Maze and Light-Dark Box Tests in White Mice

Sari Nurdian (Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi)
Triyana Agustin (Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi)
Novita Yelica Umina (Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi)
Helman Kurniadi (Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Jun 2026

Abstract

Anxiety disorders remain a major global mental health concern, with increasing prevalence and limitations associated with long-term pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of ethanol extract of Syzygium myrtifolium leaves using in vivo behavioral models. Dried leaves were extracted by maceration with 96% ethanol, yielding 16.69% extract. The results of phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, as well as terpenoids. Fifteen male white mice were randomly divided into five groups: negative control (0.5% Na-CMC), positive control (diazepam 1 mg/kgBW), and extract-treated groups (100, 200, and 300 mg/kgBW). Anxiolytic activity was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Box (LDB) tests. In the EPM model, extract doses of 200 and 300 mg/kgBW significantly increased the time spent in open arms compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the LDB test, higher extract doses significantly prolonged the duration in the illuminated compartment (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis confirmed normal data distribution and significant differences among groups (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The findings indicate that Syzygium myrtifolium leaf extract exhibits significant anxiolytic-like activity, likely associated with its flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. These results support its potential development as a plant-based alternative therapy for anxiety management.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

BIOMEDICH

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

BIOLOGY, MEDICINE, & NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY, this journal is published to attract and disseminate innovative and expert findings in the fields of plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolite, and also the effect of natural product on biological system as a reference source for ...