Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) hydro-alcoholic extract in male rats exposed to chronic restraint stress

Abstract

Introduction: Studies show that chronic stress can lead to anxiety and depression. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-diabetic and anti-nociceptive properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of basil hydro-alcoholic extract on chronic restraint stress-induced anxiety and depression in male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 rats were allocated to 6 groups including: Control, Basil200 and Basil400 (receiving doses 200, 400 mg/kg/bw of Basil extract during 21 days), Stress (restrained in restrainers for 6hours per day for 21 consecutive days), Stress-Basil200 and Stress-Basil400 (received Basil extract in addition to chronic immobility stress). At the end of this period, anxiety and depression were evaluated using elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test, respectively. Results: Results show that chronic immobility causes anxiety and depression like behaviors in rats. Taking both doses of the Basil extract led to significant increase in percentages of open arm entry and time spent in open arm in EPM test compared with Stress Group (P<0.05). The results of forced swimming test showed significant increase in latency time (p<0.05) and decrease in immobility time (p<0.05) in Stress-Basil groups compared with Stress group. Conclusion: It is concluded that the Basil hydro-alcoholic extract, reduced anxiety and depression like behaviors in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress.

Keywords

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Rat