The effect of Mentha pulegium hydroalcoholic extract on anxiety in male rats

Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that leads to poor quality of life and chronic disorders. Regarding the side effects of most chemical drugs, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves on anxiety in male rats.

In this experimental study, 24 male rats were used. Animals were divided into 4 groups (n=6), including Control groups (untreated) and three experimental groups receiving doses of 400, 800, 1600 mg/kg/w of Mentha pulegium leaves hydroalcoholic extract. The extract was injected intraperitoneally half an hour before the test. Anxiety was assessed by using elevated plus maze. The duration and frequency of the presence of the rats in open arms and closed arms of maze were recorded. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hock tests.

The mean percentage of open arms and their duration was significantly increased in rat receiving the extract compare than control (P <0.05), and the duration of presence in closed arm was reduced by the extract (P <0.05, 0.01).

According to these findings, Pune's hydroalcoholic extract reduces anxiety in rats and may have this effect on humans’ witch it need to be studied