The effect of hydro-alcoholic Ferulago angulata extract on locomotor activity and anxiety caused by hypoperfusion ischemia in adult male rats

Introduction: Ischemia in rat brain causes severe neuronal damage and causes anxiety disorders. Ferulago angulata extracts contain phenolic compounds with powerful antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of F. angulata (Chevilan) extract on locomotor activity and anxiety in ischemia model in rats.Methods: In this experimental study, ۵۰ male Wistar rats weighing ۲۰۰ to ۲۵۰ g were randomly divided into ۵ groups including intact (control), ischemic hypoperfusion without extract and three groups of ischemic hypo-perfusion, for ۱۴ days, received ۱۰۰, ۲۰۰ and ۴۰۰ mg/kg Chevilan extracts by gavage method daily. For ischemia common bilateral carotid arteries were isolated, blocked in two parts and cut from the middle section. Locomotor activity and anxiety were evaluated during an open field testing.Results: The ischemic group showed a significant increase in anxiety and decrease in motor activity in the open field test. Administration of ۱۰۰, ۲۰۰ or ۴۰۰ mg/kg doses of the extract significantly reduced the number of raising hands, especially at the dose of ۲۰۰ (P < ۰.۰۵), and all three doses reduced the number of defecations (P < ۰.۰۰۱). Consumption of ۴۰۰ mg/kg dose of the F. angulata extracts showed a significant increase in the number of movements in the central house in the open field and between houses margins (P < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: Ferulago angulata extract reduces anxiety in animal models of ischemia, which is probably due to some phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activity.