Anxiolytic and Sedative Activities of the Essential Oil of the Fresh Young Shoot of Asparagus Officinalis L. in Mice

Authors

  • A. S. OLUSA
  • I. A. OYEMITAN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njpr.v19i2.7s

Keywords:

Asparagus officinalis, Anxiolytic, Sedative properties

Abstract

Background: Asparagus officinalis L. is an edible plant that serve as a vegetable and medicine in different parts of the world, including CNS-related ailments.                                                                  

Objective: To evaluate the anxiolytic and sedative activities Asparagus officinalis L. fresh young shoot essential oil of Asparagus officinalis L. (EOAO) in mice.                                                               

Method: The essential oil was obtained through hydro distillation using clevenger-type apparatus. The effect of EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) on anxiety was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and hole board test. The sedative effect of the EOAO (50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) was evaluated using ketamine-induced hypnosis (100 mg/kg, i.p.).                       

Results: The EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam 1 mg/kg i.p., increased significantly (p < 0.01) the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) compared to the vehicle. There was significant increase in head dips (p < 0.01) at 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p. of the administered oil. The EOAO at 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.01 – 0.001) reduced the sleep latency when compared to the vehicle. At 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. the EOAO and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.01 - 0.001) prolonged the total sleeping time when compared to the vehicle.                                      

Conclusion: The study concluded that Asparagus officinalis L. essential oil possesses anxiolytic and sedative activities.

Effect of EOAO on head dipping

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Published

2024-04-01

Issue

Section

Full Length Articles

How to Cite

Anxiolytic and Sedative Activities of the Essential Oil of the Fresh Young Shoot of Asparagus Officinalis L. in Mice. (2024). Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 19(S), 69-77. https://doi.org/10.4314/njpr.v19i2.7s

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