Anxiolytic Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of Citrus aurantium in Wistar Albino Rats

Anxiety is a very common mental disorder among neurological disorders. Citrus aurantium decoction has been used to treat anxiety- like behaviour, by traditional medicine practitioners in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous root extract of C. aurantium AECA (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.), diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and normal saline 10 ml/kg on anxiety-like behaviour, spontaneous alternation behaviour. Locomotor and exploratory activity were evaluated in rats on hole-board, elevated plus maze (EPM), elevated zero maze (EZM), Y-maze, and open field apparatus, respectively. The results showed that AECA significantly (p< 0.05-0.001) and increased time spent on hole-board, open arm of elevated plus maze, EPM and open arm of elevated zero maze, EZM. The administration of AECA produced dose-dependent and significant (p< 0.05-0.001) increase in spontaneous alternation behaviour in rats. Locomotor and exploratory behaviour was significantly (p< 0.05-0.001) increased in the open field apparatus.

The present results provide evidence for anxiolytic effects of the AECA, hence may be developed as a safe alternative for continuous use in the therapeutic management of neurological disorders characterized by anxiety and amnesia.