Volume 18, Issue 1 (Spring 2026)
2026, 18(1): 59-68 |
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Ethics code: IR.NKUMS.AEC.1402.005
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Shakeri F, Saremi Sadati G. Investigation of the Anti-Anxiety Mechanism of Artemisia sieberi Methanolic Extract with a Focus on GABA Receptors in an Experimental Rat Model. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences 2026; 18 (1) :59-68
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3351-en.html
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3351-en.html
1- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran , farzaneh.shakeri99@gmail.com
2- Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
2- Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
Abstract: (117 Views)
Introduction: Artemisia sieberi, a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, has traditionally been used for its antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, alongside the treatment of ailments, such as indigestion, fever, and headache. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anxiety effects of a methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, male rats were divided into six groups: a control group, three treatment groups receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, a group receiving 400 mg/kg of the extract plus flumazenil, and a diazepam-treated group. Anxiety behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze, a standard behavioral test for anxiety in rodents. Data were analyzed using Instat software (version 3.1), with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Ethical guidelines were followed throughout the study.
Results: Results showed that both diazepam and the highest dose (400 mg/kg) of the Artemisia sieberi extract significantly increased the number of entries into and the time spent in the open arms of the maze, indicating reduced anxiety. Conversely, time spent in the closed arms decreased. Importantly, co-administration of flumazenil with the extract reduced its anxiolytic effects.
Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that treatment with the methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi, especially the two highest doses, significantly affected anxiety indices. Since flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, the results suggest that the methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi exerts its anti-anxiety effects through benzodiazepine receptors.
Methods: In this experimental study, male rats were divided into six groups: a control group, three treatment groups receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, a group receiving 400 mg/kg of the extract plus flumazenil, and a diazepam-treated group. Anxiety behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze, a standard behavioral test for anxiety in rodents. Data were analyzed using Instat software (version 3.1), with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Ethical guidelines were followed throughout the study.
Results: Results showed that both diazepam and the highest dose (400 mg/kg) of the Artemisia sieberi extract significantly increased the number of entries into and the time spent in the open arms of the maze, indicating reduced anxiety. Conversely, time spent in the closed arms decreased. Importantly, co-administration of flumazenil with the extract reduced its anxiolytic effects.
Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that treatment with the methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi, especially the two highest doses, significantly affected anxiety indices. Since flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, the results suggest that the methanolic extract of Artemisia sieberi exerts its anti-anxiety effects through benzodiazepine receptors.
Type of Study: Orginal Research |
Subject:
Basic Sciences
Received: 2025/10/18 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2026/03/29
Received: 2025/10/18 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2026/03/29
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