Anxiolytic Effect of the Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Anethum Graveolens Seed in Adult Female Wistar Rats: Modulation of GABA Receptors

Abstract

Background: Along with industrial development and the increasing social complexity ofsocieties, anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders. Medicinal plants areconsidered as an enrichment source of ingredients with biological activity.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Anethum Graveolensseed (AGS) and the possible involvement of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-ergicsystem in the AGS effect.Materials & Methods: In the present experimental study, 64 female Wistar rats were dividedinto eight groups and received various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of AGS. Tomeasure the level of anxiety, an elevated plus maze was used in a way that the animal’s headturned to an open arm. Prior to the injections of AGS extract, the GABA receptor antagonistwas used. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance using IBM SPSS v. 16.Results: Dose-response experiments showed that the AGS extract significantly decreasedthe anxiety indices compared to the control group (P<0.05). To analyze locomotor activity,our data showed that AGS extract at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg could significantly increaselocomotor activity compared to the control group (P<0.001). Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ( +extractsignificantly decreased the anxiolytic effect of AGS extract (P<0.01).Conclusion: Considering the anti-anxiety effects of AGS extract and a reduction in this effectcaused by PTZ, part of the anti-anxiety effect of extract might be assumed via its interactionwith GABA-ergic receptors. Further experimental trials; however, are required for theestablishment of the anti-anxiety impact of AGS.