Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) extract in rats receiving lead acetate

Abstract

Background and Aim: Lead is one of the environmental pollutants that enters the nervous system and leads to neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cinnamon hydroalcoholic extracts on the level of anxiety and depression in male rats receiving lead acetate. Material and Methods: 32 male Wistar rats were divided into: 1) control 2) cinnamon 3) Lead and 4) lead-cinnamon groups. The 2nd and 4th groups received 200 mg/kg of cinnamon extracts for 30 consecutive days and at the same period, rats of the 3rd and 4th groups received 100 mg/kg of lead acetate. At the end of the period we used elevated plus maze test to investigate anxiety, and forced swimming test to assess depression in the rats. Results: In elevated plus maze test, percentages of OAE and OAT significantly decreased in the lead group compared to those in the control group (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Comparison of the lead-cinnamon group and lead group showed a dramatic increase of these percentages in the lead-cinnamon group (P<0.05). Forced swimming test showed a significant decrease in immobility time delay (P<0.05) and significant increase in total time of immobility in the lead group (P<0.01). Cinnamon extract could increase delay in immobility and decrease the duration of immobility in the rats receiving lead (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that cinnamon extract has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects on the rats receiving lead acetate.

Keywords

• cinnamon (cinnamomum verum)
• lead
• anxiety
• depression
• rat