Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Levandula angustifolia and Citrus aurantium essential oils possess phenolic compounds and in Iranian traditional medicine are commonly used as sedative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant activities of Levandula angustifolia and Citrus bigaradia in adult reserpinized mice.

Methods: In this experimental study, mice were divided into 10 groups of 8 mice each, including: Group 1, control group received normal saline. Group 2, was treated reserpine (5 mg/kg, IP). Group 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated with reserpine (5 mg/kg, IP) and four Citrus aurantium different doses (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg). Group 7, 8 and 9 were treated with reserpine (5 mg/kg, IP) and three Levandula angustifolia doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Group 10 was treated with reserpine (5 mg/kg, IP) and imipramine (15 mg/kg). In all groups the forced swimming test was done and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue was measured to estimate the oxidative stress status. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test.

Results: Levandula angustifolia, Citrus aurantium and imipramine in reserpinized mice caused the mice to spend less time in the forced swimming test, compared to the control group (p<0.01). Also Citrus aurantium with dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg and Lavandula angustifolia with dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg in reserpinized mice reduced immobility time and levels of MDA compared the control group (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Lavander and Citrus aurantium essential oils have considerable antidepressant activity which might be attributed to their antioxidant effects.