Effects of DCM leaf Extract of Gnidia glauca (Fresen) on Locomotor Activity, Anxiety and Exploration-Like Behaviors in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is the main component of metabolic syndromes involving distinct etiologies which target different underlying behavioral and physiological functions within the brain structures and neuronal circuits. An alteration in the neuronal circuitry stemming from abdominal or central obesity stimulates a cascade of changes in neurochemical signaling that directly or indirectly mediate spontaneously emitted behaviors such as locomotor activity patterns, anxiety and exploration. Pharmacological agents available for the treatment of neurologic disorders have been associated with limited potency and intolerable adverse effects. These have necessitated the upsurge in utilization of herbal prescriptions due to their affordability, easy accessibility and are firmly embedded within wider belief systems of many people. Gnidia glauca has been used in management of many ailments including obesity and associated symptomatic complications. However, its upsurge in use has not been accompanied with authentication of these folkloric claims. The present study aimed to determine the modulatory effect of Dichloromethane leaf extract of Gnidia glauca on locomotor activity, exploration and anxiety-like behaviors in high fat diet-induced obese rats in an Open Field Arena. Obesity was experimentally induced by feeding the rats with prepared high fat diet and water ad libitum for a period of 6 weeks. The in-vivo anti-obesity effects were determined by oral administration of G. glauca at dosage levels of 200, 250 and 300mg/kg body weight in high fat diet-induced obese rats from the 6th to 12th week. Phytochemical analysis was done using gas chromatography linked to mass spectroscopy. Results indicated that Gnidia glauca showed anxiolytic effects and significantly increased spontaneous locomotor activity and exploration-like behaviors in HFD-induced obese rats. The plant extract also contained phytocompounds that have been associated with amelioration of the main neurodegenerative mediators viz inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings provide qualified leads for the synthesis of new alternative therapeutic agent for management of neurologic disorders. However, theres need to conduct toxicity studies of Gnidia glauca to establish its safety profiles.