Investigating the effect of hydro‑alcoholic extract of Salix aegyptiaca on anxiety in male rat

Anxiety disorders are frequently common neuropsychiatric disorders. Herbal medicines are widespread and used universal as a treatment compound for anxiety. The present study investigated the effects of hydro‑alcoholic extract of Salix aegyptiaca blossom on rat behavior in the elevated plus‑maze (EPM) and compared results with the effects of diazepam, as a positive control drug.

Seventy adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (N = 10). Animals received S. aegyptiaca extract (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) or Diazepam (0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and the control group was given the vehicle (10 ml/kg) 30 min before submitting into plus‑maze test. The number of entries into the open and closed arms, the percentage of entries into the open arms of the EPM, and the time spent in the open arms were recorded.

The results revealed significant increases in percentage of entries into the open arms(P < 0.01) and in the time spent in the open arms (P < 0.01) after administration of diazepam (0.3, 0.6) and S. aegyptiaca (50, 100 mg/kg) in compare with control group. S. aegyptiaca extract has no effects on the total distance covered by animals and number of closed arms entries, whereas diazepam decreased these parameters. The locomotor activity was not significantly changed by S. aegyptiaca.

Single‑session administration of optimum doses of total extract of S. aegyptiaca has anxiolytic effects in rat similar to the low dose of diazepam. More research is needed for better understanding of anxiolytic properties and neurobiological mechanisms of action and probable interactions of S. aegyptiaca extract with neurotransmitters.