Antianxiety effect of cardamom oil against sleep deprivation-induced anxiety in mice

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Sleep is the restorative mechanism involved in the maintenance of physiological and psychological balance. Anxiety is recognized as a typical outcome of sleep deprivation (SLD) that interferes with the normal daily life of the person. The present study was designed to assess the antianxiety effects of cardamom oil in mice subjected to sleep deprivation (SLD)-induced anxiety and to explore possible underlying mechanisms for this activity. METHODS: Cardamom oil (140, 280, and 560 µL/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]) and midazolam (8 mg/kg i.p.) were administered daily to different groups of mice for 15 consecutive days to sleep-deprived mice. anxiety-like behavior was induced by 48 h of SLD, and the antianxiety activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, light–dark, hole board, and marble-burying models. RESULTS: Cardamom oil significantly diminished the SLD-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice as indicated by increased time spent in open arms (EPM), average time spent in lit box (light–dark model), number of head dips (hole board) and decreased number of marbles buried (marble-burying model) as compared to SLD animals. In biochemical studies, chronic administration of cardamom oil significantly increased γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), serotonin (5-HT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase levels, while decreasing lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSION: Both behavioral and biochemical results revealed the protective effect of cardamom oil against SLD-induced anxiety. The underlying mechanism of action appears to involve the enhancement of GABAergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission, as well as the antioxidant properties of cardamom oil.