Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of the essential oil of the aerial part of Foeniculum vulgare Miller in mice.

Miraf Mesfin,Workineh Shibeshi,Kaleab Asres

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-310

Miraf Mesfin, Workineh Shibeshi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-310

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Abstract

BackgroundFoeniculum vulgare locally known as ensilal, is an aromatic plant widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions. The anti-anxiety activity of the crude extract of F. vulgare has been reported. However, the fraction responsible for anxiolytic activity is not known and there is no any report on the anti-anxiety activity of the essential oil of F. vulgare. The objective of study was to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Miller.MethodsAdult Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Groups I and II received Tween 80 (5%, v/v) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, ip), respectively, while groups III to V received orally 50, 100, and 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of the essential oil of F. vulgare, respectively. The mice were then individually placed in animal anxiety models: elevated plus maze (EPM), staircase test (SCT) and open field test (OFT) and evaluated for various parameters.ResultsIn EPM test, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of the essential oil significantly increased percent number of entries and time spent in open arms compared to control. In SCT these doses also reduced rearing significantly compared to controls, while only the 200 mg/kg dose significantly increased number of squares crossed at the center in the OFT test.ConclusionThe essential oil of F. vulgare was found to exhibit a promising anxiolytic activity.

Highlights

Foeniculum vulgare locally known as ensilal, is an aromatic plant widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions
Anxiolytic effects In the elevated plus maze (EPM) paradigm (Table 1), the essential oil at 200 mg/kg dose showed significant increase in the number of entries into the open arms compared to the negative control, while all other doses of the oil did not significantly affect the parameter compared
The time the mice spent in the open arms was significantly increased in animals treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of the oil compared to the control group

Summary

Introduction

Foeniculum vulgare locally known as ensilal, is an aromatic plant widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions. The anti-anxiety activity of the crude extract of F. vulgare has been reported. The fraction responsible for anxiolytic activity is not known and there is no any report on the anti-anxiety activity of the essential oil of F. vulgare. The objective of study was to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Miller. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional, and behavioral problems affecting one-eighth of the total population worldwide, and have become a very important area of research interest in psychopharmacology. Locally known as ensilal or commonly known as fennel, is an aromatic plant widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions [17] Foeniculum vulgare Mill. locally known as ensilal or commonly known as fennel, is an aromatic plant widely cultivated in temperate and tropical regions [17]

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