EVALUATION OF THE ANXIOLYTIC POTENTIAL OF 4 HYDROXYPIPERIDINE ON SWISS ALBINO MICE EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric illnesses worldwide and are associated with significant emotional, cognitive, and social impairment. Although benzodiazepines are effective anxiolytic agents, their long-term use is limited by adverse effects such as sedation, tolerance, and dependence, necessitating the search for safer alternatives. The present study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of 4-Hydroxypiperidine in Swiss albino mice using validated behavioral models. Healthy adult Swiss albino mice (20–30 g) were divided into control, diazepam (1 mg/kg), and test groups receiving different doses of 4-Hydroxypiperidine. Acute toxicity evaluation, performed according to OECD Guideline 423, revealed no mortality or significant toxic effects, indicating a favorable safety profile. Anxiolytic activity was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze, Light-Dark Box, T-Maze, and Y-Maze tests. Treatment with 4 Hydroxypiperidine produced dose-dependent improvements in anxiety-related behaviors, including increased open-arm exploration, prolonged time spent in the light compartment, reduced transfer latency, and enhanced spontaneous alternation compared with the control group. The highest dose demonstrated effects comparable to diazepam in several behavioral parameters. These findings suggest that 4-Hydroxypiperidine possesses significant anxiolytic activity and may represent a promising lead compound for the development of safer therapeutic agents for anxiety disorders. Further pharmacological and mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate its mode of action and clinical potential.