The Effect of Ethanolic Soursop Leaf Extract on Caffeine-Induced Anxiety in Female Wistar Rats

Soursop is a tropical fruit tree that has gained attention for its potential health benefits, which are attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids. The present study investigates the effects of ethanolic extracts of soursop (Annona muricata) leaves on caffeine-induced anxiety in female Wistar rats. Caffeine, a widely consumed psychoactive stimulant, is known to induce anxiety-like behaviors, which can negatively impact overall well-being (Hughes & Hancock, 2017). The anxiolytic potential of soursop leaves, traditionally used in herbal medicine, is explored in this context due to their reported calming properties and ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels (Akomolafe et al., 2015). In this study, female Wistar rats were administered caffeine to induce anxiety, followed by treatment with varying doses of ethanolic soursop leaf extract. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the elevated plus maze and open field tests to evaluate anxiety levels. Preliminary results indicate that the ethanolic extract significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in caffeine-treated rats, suggesting a protective effect against caffeine-induced anxiety. These findings support the potential use of soursop leaf extract as a natural anxiolytic agent and highlight the importance of dietary choices in managing anxiety disorders.