The effects of alcoholic extract of Red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) on anxiety induced by elevated plus maze and the plasma corticosterone levels in adult male Wistar rats

Background and Stress and anxiety as important and common disorders in humane societies can lead to many other diseases. Due to the relatively high side effects of tranquilizers and anti-anxiety chemicals, the tendency to use herbal medicines as a treatment for anxiety disorders is increasing. This study evaluated the effects of alcoholic extract of Papaver rhoeas on anxiety in elevated plus maze, weight and plasma corticosterone levels in rats. In this experimental study, 56 adult male rats were used. They were assigned to 7 groups of 8 animals including control group (no treatment), sham 1 (receiving saline), sham 2 (exposure to plus maze) and three experimental groups that received doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg alcoholic extract of Papaver rhoeas via intraperitoneal injections. Elevated plus maze was used to measure anxiety. The number of ties mice were present in the open and closed arms of the maze was calculated and their plasma levels and body weight were measured. The data were analyzed using SPSS-18 via one-way ANOVA and Tukey follow-up tests. The results showed that the alcoholic extract of Papaver rhoeas at the given doses increased the number of entries into the open arms of elevated plus maze. It increased weight gain of animals and reduced plasma corticosterone levels at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg at p<0/05. Probably due to its sedative properties and its morphine materials, Papaver rhoeas extract reduces anxiety levels and corticosterone and increases the weight of the animals under study.