The Neuroprotective Effect of Citrus Aurantium Essential Oil on Passive Avoidance Memory in Ischemia Animal Model

Stroke is one of the major causes of disability and the third leading cause of mortality in humans. In recent years, growing attention has been paid to medicinal plants as a potential source of treatment for ischemia/reperfusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect neuroprotective of Citrus aurantium essential oil on passive avoidance memory in ischemia animal model. Materials and Methods:Fifty adult male rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into five groups: control, sham, ischemia and essential oil (50 and 75 mg/kg body weight)-treated. Ischemia was induced by clamping the carotid artery for 30 minutes. Then the shuttle box test was performedand the antioxidant capacity of the serum and brain was measured. Results: The passive avoidance memory in the essential oil-treated groups, the difference in time between primary and secondary latency was greater than that in the ischema group. The antioxidant capacity of the brain and serum in the essential oil-treated groups increased compared to the ischema group, and the results in the treatment groups were comparable to the control group. Conclusion: C. aurantium essential oil has neuroprotective effects on passive avoidance memoryand antioxidant capacity during ischemia-reperfusion in rat. Probably, this plant essential oil can be used as a complementary therapy for reducing the symptoms of this disorder.