Investigating the Effects of Methamphetamine Induction Combined with Supplementation of Saffron Extract, Barberry Extract, and Psilocybin Mushroom Alongside Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety Based on the Open Field Maze in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Substance abuse remains a major global health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of methamphetamine (MA) induction combined with supplementation of saffron extract, barberry extract, and psilocybin mushroom, as well as aerobic exercise, on anxiety levels in female Wistar rats using the open field maze test.

Methods: A total of 60 female Wistar rats, weighing approximately 212±8 grams, were randomly assigned into five groups (n=12 per group) after weight matching, using MedCalc software version 18.2.1. The experimental groups included: (1) Control (MA induction+2 mL distilled water+open field maze), (2) Saffron group (MA induction+100 mg aqueous saffron extract+open field maze), (3) Barberry group (MA induction with 100 mg barberry extract+open field maze), (4) Psilocybin group (MA induction+100 mg psilocybin mushroom+open field maze), and (5) Aerobic exercise group (MA induction+8 weeks of aerobic training+open field maze). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test via SPSS version 26, with a significance threshold of P≤0.05.

Results: Among the interventions examined, only aerobic exercise significantly reduced anxiety in methamphetamine-exposed female Wistar rats, as assessed by the open field maze.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that aerobic exercise may serve as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate anxiety-like behaviors induced by methamphetamine exposure in female rats.