Abstract

Anxiolytic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Citrus Lemon Leaves on Rats in Comparison with Diazepam on Elevated Plus Maze Model

Introduction: Anxiety is an unpleasant state of tension, apprehension, or uneasiness. Disorders involving anxiety are among the most common mental disorders. In India, it is reported to be the highest among all psychiatry disorders. Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed drugs for treatment but their clinical uses are limited due to side effects. Citrus lemon has been widely exploited in complementary and alternative medicine but no significant work has been carried out on the anxiolytic effects of this plant extract. Our study was designed to experimentally evaluate the anxiolytic effects of ethanolic extract of leaves of Citrus Lemon on Wistar rats using three different doses by oral route i.e. 50,100,200 mg/kg on the elevated plus-maze model. Materials and method: A total of 30 Wistar rats of either sex were divided into 5 groups with 6 rats each. Group I (control): received distilled water. Group II (standard): Diazepam 2 mg/kg is given. Group III 50 mg/kg of the extract is given. Group IV-100 mg/kg is given. Group V 200 mg/kg is given. Data analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Post hoc comparisons were performed by Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ethanolic extract of citrus lemon in a dose of 100 mg/kg showed effective anxiolytic activity compared to a 50,200 mg/kg dose and the effect is comparable to Diazepam. Conclusion: The present study suggests that citrus lemon may be developed as a potential anti-anxiety agent.

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