A Novel Circular Maze Paradigm For Anxiety Assessment: Behavioral Insights Into Herbal Anxiolytics

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses, often treated with synthetic drugs that may cause adverse effects. Traditional medicinal plants such as Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) have been used for their potential adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties. The present study investigates the anti-anxiety activity of a combined extract of O. sanctum and T. ammi in Wistar rats using behavioural models like the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and circular open field test over a period of four weeks. Rats were grouped into control, standard (diazepam), and test extract groups. Animals were subjected weekly to the circular maze test, recording time spent in open and closed arms. Data were analysedusing one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The test group showed a gradual increase in time spent in the open arm: Week 1 (16.8 ± 2.4 s), Week 2 (21.3 ± 2.1 s), Week 3 (26.6 ± 1.8 s), and Week 4 (31.4 ± 2.0 s). Conversely, time in the closed arm reduced from Week 1 (43.2 ± 1.9 s) to Week 4 (28.6 ± 2.3 s). These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared to the control group and approached the efficacy of the standard drug by Week 4. Bar charts visually confirmed these progressive behavioural improvements. The combined extract of O. sanctum and T. ammi produced a significant anxiolytic effect in rodents, demonstrating a steady behavioural improvement over four weeks. These findings support its potential as a natural alternative for managing anxiety.