The effects of Scrophularia striata extract on anxiety and depression behaviors in adult male mice

Abstract

Objectives: For many years, various medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of different neuropsychological diseases, like anxiety and depression behaviors. In the present study, the effects of Scrophularia striata extract on anxiety and depression behaviors were investigated in adult male mice. Methods: In this study 12 groups (n=7) of adult male mice weighing 25-30g were used. In first protocol 6 groups of mice were received saline and extract of Scrophularia striata (10, 50, 100, 160 and 220 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days and then tested in elevated plus maze. The second protocol was as the same but at the end of the injections depression was assessed with forced swimming test. Results: Our findings showed that S. striata significantly (p<0.01) reduced anxiety at two doses of 100 and 160 mg/kg as well as attenuated depression at 160 mg/kg (p<0.01) in the EPM and FST tests, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that S. striata extract can decrease the anxiety and depression behaviors in rodents dose dependently.