INVESTIGATION OF THE ANXIOLYTIC EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FLORAL PARTS (PETALS, FLOWER BUDS, AND STIGMA) OF DELONIX REGIA IN ADULT ZEBRAFISH USING THE NOVEL TANK DIVING TEST

The Gulmohar tree (Delonix regia) is not only known for its aesthetic significance, but it also has medicinal properties, particularly anti-inflammatory characteristics. The present study involved the extraction of the Gulmohar plant through homogenization in a mortar with small amounts of alcohol. The extract obtained was then added to three aquaria with equal number of test fish in each of the aquaria. The fish showed behavioral changes and it was noticed that the fish were swimming at different levels of water in the aquarium, indicating relief from physiological stress. The preliminary results provide indications related to the role of bioactive compounds of the Gulmohar in changing the behavior of fish. This study also provides an insight into the usage of plant materials for bioassay in aquatic systems with special emphasis on further biochemical and histological evaluations to confirm the findings.