Anxiolytic, Antidepressant-Like Proprieties and Impact on the Memory of the Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Origanum majorana L. on Mice

Abstract

Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) infusion has been used as folk medicine against depression and anxiety. However, no studies have been carried out yet to prove those activities scientifically. In this study, the anxiolytic, antidepressant-like effects, and memory impact of the hydro-ethanolic extracts of marjoram were evaluated in mice. The hydro-ethanolic extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were evaluated for their central nervous effect using six different behavioral tests such as light–dark box (LDB) and open field (OF) for anxiety, forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) for depression, and object recognition test (ORT), Morris water maze (MWM) for the impact on memory. The experiments were realized on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of treatments and compared with bromazepam for anxiety (1 mg/kg) and paroxetine for depression (11.5 mg/kg). The phytochemical screening was performed by HPLC, and the acute and sub-acute toxicities were performed following OCED guidelines (N°423 and 407) with biochemical parameters evaluation and histopathological analysis. Oral administration of marjoram hydro-ethanolic extract induced significant anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects without memory impairment, increasing the exploration and time spent in the light area in the LDB test in a similar way to that of bromazepam. In the FST and TST, the extract was as effective as paroxetine (11.5 mg/kg, p.o.) in reducing immobility. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of ferulic acid, naringin, hydroxytyrosol, geraniol, and quercetin. This study approves the traditional use of this plant and encourages further investigation on its bioactive compounds.

Assessment of Antidepressant-like, Anxiolytic Effects and Impact on Memory of Pimpinella anisum L. Total Extract on Swiss Albino Mice

“…All those facts combined have stepped up the hunt for other safe and affordable alternative therapies [ 21 ]. Several reviews of herbal extracts and secondary metabolites are used in conventional medicine owing to their anxiolytic and antidepressant properties [ 22 , 23 ]. Clinical and pre-clinical trials have reported successful use of medications for certain plant metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sterols and others [ 24 , 25 ].…”

An Insight into the Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-Like Proprieties of Carum carvi L. and Their Association with Its Antioxidant Activity

“…Bromazepam (1 mg/kg) has been used as a positive control for anxiety tests, and paroxetine (11.5 mg/kg) for depression tests. The groups underwent 21 days of sub-acute treatment and were evaluated on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st days [ 43 ]. The treatments were delivered orally to the animals by intragastric gavage using a gavage needle tipped with a stainless steel bulb to inject it into the stomach.…”

Plantas Usadas Como Calmante Natural Em Unidades Básicas De Saúde De Toledo/Pr

“…56 A manjerona apresenta alta associação, dentro da literatura, com atividade ansiolítica e antidepressiva. [57][58][59][60][61] Da mesma forma, também há relatos de possível atividade ansiolítica e contra o estresse das plantas: alfavaca, 62-66 alfazema, 67,68 e valeriana. 69,70,71,55 Atesta-se porém, a necessidade de pesquisas com metodologias mais complexas e confiáveis, além do estudo imprescindível em relação a toxicidade de tais plantas.…”