Conference 2021 Poster Presentation

 

Project title

A Study of Ascorbic Acid and Propranolol on Anxiety

 

Authors and Affiliations

Ejiro Peggy Ohwin1

1. Department of Human Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

 

Abstract

Background

Anxiety is a society problem marker characterized by apprehension, worry and tension that may be understood as a physiological, adaptive response to potential threats, however, persistent anxiety is pathological and constitutes the hallmark of anxiety disorders, which are the most common psychiatric disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of almost 30%. As an antioxidant ascorbic acid is a cofactor in multiple enzymatic reactions whereas, propranolol is a beta blocker. Present study aimed at investigation of Ascorbic acid and propranolol actions on anxiety in adult male wistar rats.

Methods

Twenty five healthy wistar rats weighing between 110-180g were recruited and grouped in five groups (n=5) for this study. The initial body weight were observed before introduction of anxiety with the aid of an oscillator stressor for two hours daily, followed by drugs administration. Group 1 was control group, not stressed and received normal saline all through experimental period. Group 2, Negative control, were stressed but not treated,Group 3, were stressed and administered 120mg/kg of Ascorbic acid, Group 4, were stressed and given 50mg/kg of propranolol while Group5, were stressed and given both Ascorbic acid and propranolol. Neuropsychological behaviour and body weight were monitored every seven days within experimental period and data were collected. Duration of study was 28 days and data generated were analysed using SPSS 23.0 package,results were expressed in mean and standard error mean.

Results

Body weight were increased in all rats for the first 7 days but a statistically decline was observed at day 14 and 21 when compared to control. Furthermore, Group 3 treated with Ascorbic acid showed a statistically significant increase compared with Groups 1,4 and 5 respectively.

Conclusions

Propranolol plays therapeutic role in anxiety, however, ascorbic acid has higher level of efficacy in reducing anxiety and increasing overall performance.