Repeated systemic administration of the cinnamon essential oil possesses anti-anxiety and anti-depressant activities in mice

Objective(s): The present study aimed to evaluate the putative antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of the cinnamon essential oil when administered acute (for ۳ doses) and sub-acute (for ۱۴ days) to mice. Materials and Methods: In an acute experimental study, forced swim test (FST) was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant-like behavior of animals treated with the intraperitoneal (IP) essential oil of cinnamon in triple doses (۰.۵, ۱, and ۲ mg/kg). In a sub-acute study (۱۴ days in ۲۴-hr intervals) antidepressant-like effects of essential oil (۰.۵, ۱, and ۲ mg/kg) with the same route were assessed in FST and tail suspension test (TST). Anti-anxiety and motor activities were evaluated using elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field tests, respectively. Determination of different constituents within the sample oil was via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results: Repetitive administration of cinnamon essential oil (۰.۵, ۱, ۲ mg/kg) during ۱۴ days significantly decreased the time of immobility in both FST and TST as compared to the control group. Mice treated with oil at the dose of ۲ mg/kg spent a longer time and had more entries into the open arms of EPM as compared with the vehicle-treated ones. According to GC-MS analysis, ۴۶ chemical compounds were identified in the studied cinnamon essential oil with the main constituent being trans-cinnamaldehyde (۸۷.۳۲%). Conclusion: Cinnamon essential oil might be used as an adjunctive therapy in improving symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders. However, dose-response effects need further evaluation. Trans-cinnamaldehyde might be responsible for the beneficial effect observed.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cinnamon bark ، Elevated plus maze Essential oil ، Forced swimming test ، Tail suspension test