International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition

Authors
Anupama Maggu, Jatinder Singh, Gulsheen, Ashwani Kumar, Anupam Sharma

Abstract
Almond (P. amygdalus) and Walnut (J. regia) are one of the frequently used ‘dry fruits’ and are considered to be a brain tonic. The nuts are a rich source of various phytoconstituents. The present study was designed to evaluate antianxiety and antidepressant potential of the kernels of almond and walnut. Four different extracts viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous of P. amygdalus and J. regia kernels were prepared by successive Soxhlet extraction, and were evaluated for antianxiety and antidepressant activity in mice using Elevated Plus Maze and Forced Swim Test, respectively. Among all the extracts, ethanol extract of J. regia showed significant dose dependant antianxiety and antidepressant activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. However, chloroform extract of P. amygdalus exhibited only antianxiety activity at 200 mg/kg dose.