The Decoction of <i>Cymbopogon citratus </i>(<i>Poaceae</i>) Exerts Anxiolytic and Antioxidant Effects<i> </i>in Mice on Stress Paradigm Tests

Abstract

<i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> has many medicinal properties: it is used to treat headaches, cough, malaria and anxiety or fear in the national dielet. The interest of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic properties and acute toxicity of the decoction of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> leaves.<i> C. citratus </i>was harvested in the Wouri division, Littoral Region of Cameroon. The identification of the families of secondary metabolites was carried out on the leaves decoction through staining and precipitation tests. The animal material consisted of male and female <i>Mus musculus </i>Swiss mice of 18 g at 30 g over aged about 9 weeks and not previously tested. They were used for acute toxicity assessment by administering a single dose of 5000mg/kg. Then, the anxiolytic activity assessment of the decoction on basic and chronic anxiety was done using the following devices: the elevated plus maze, the open field, the hole board and the restrictor. Finally, some oxidative stress parameters such catalase, sulphoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde were measured. The extraction yield of the<i> C. citratus</i> decoction was 15.12%. No signs of toxicity were observed at the dose of 5000mg/kg, 14 days after treatment. The Screening of the decoction revealed the presence of saponins, phenolic compounds and sterols. The anxiolytic activity assessment of the decoction on basic and chronic anxiety through the different devices shows that the most effective dose of the <i>C. citratus</i> decoction was 151 mg/kg. In the case of the elevated plus maze test, there was an increase of the number of entries into the open arms, the time spent in the open arms and their respective percentages. However, there was a decrease of the number of entries into the closed arms, the time spent in the closed arms and their percentages. The number of rearing and the mass of stool produced were significantly reduced in the maze, indicating a decrease of the level of anxiety in these mice. The open field and hole board tests also showed that, the <i>C. citratus</i> decoction would have anxiolytic properties. This could be justified may be by the presence of saponins and phenolic compounds. The determination of oxidative stress markers showed that, mice given the decoction and diazepam had elevated catalase, sulphoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione, but their malondialdehyde was low. The results of the study showed that the decoction of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> has anxiolytic properties.