Evaluation of antianxiety and sedative effects of essential oil of Ducrosia anethifolia in mice.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the antianxiety and sedative effects of the essential oil of Ducrosia anethifolia. Boiss. (Apiaceae).


METHODS
We used elevated plus maze, spontaneous motor activity and ketamine-induced sleep tests in mice. In addition, the essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS. Twenty compounds were identified, and n-decanal (70.1%) and alpha-pinene (12.4%) constituted the major components.


RESULTS
In elevated plus maze, Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil at doses of 25-200 mg/kg increased the percentage of open arm time and entries. Unlike diazepam, ducrosia anethifolia essential oil could not suppress spontaneous motor activity and did not alter ketamine-induced sleep parameters. These results are indicative of antianxiety effect of Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil without sedative effect.
Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. vhajhashemi@gmail.com
Valiollah
V
Hajhashemi
Mohammad
M
Rabbani
Alireza
A
Ghanadi
Elahe
E
Davari
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010938:Plant Oils