The effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus Ethanolic extract on anxiety behaviors in male Wistar rats

Anxiety disorders are the highly prevalent psychiatri disorders، affecting an estimated 25% of the adult population at some point during their lifetime. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Vitex Agnus-Castus (Vitex) Ethanolic extract on anxiety behaviors in male rats. The extract of Vitex plant was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus and 98% Ethanol method، and the elevated plus-maze test has been in use as a rodent model of anxiety that in this study were used. Our finding showed that Vitex extract at doses of 100، 200 and 300 mg/kg decreased percentage of open arm time (OAT %)، at doses of 100، 200 mg/kg decreased percentage of open arm entries (OAE %)، and but no significant change in the locomotor activity، indicating anxiogenic effects. In conclusion، results of this study demonstrate that the Vitex Ethanolic extract at different doses are involved in modulation of anxiety behaviors in male rats.