Research Information System
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, vol.15, no.9, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose The rapid onset of anxiolytic drugs without cognitive or motor impairments remains an unmet need. This study evaluated the acute anxiolytic effects of Salvia heldreichiana essential oil in rats, measuring anxiety-related behaviors, hippocampal levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA, and serum cortisol. Method Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into two experiments. Experiment 1 (n = 24) tested a single dose (200 mg/kg, oral gavage) of Salvia heldreichiana essential oil, while Experiment 2 (n = 24) evaluated repeated doses (200 mg/kg/day for five days, oral gavage). Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the open field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Sedation and motor coordination were measured via the rotarod test. Neurochemical analysis included hippocampal noradrenaline, serotonin, GABA levels, and serum cortisol. Potential toxicity was monitored through ALT, AST, creatinine, and BUN levels. Findings Salvia heldreichiana essential oil significantly reduced serum cortisol levels (p < 0.05) and showed a trend toward increased hippocampal serotonin levels, similar to diazepam. No sedative or motor impairing effects were observed, and no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects were observed at the administered dose. Conclusion Salvia heldreichiana essential oil showed promise as a rapid-onset anxiolytic, as it reduced cortisol levels and may increase serotonin, all without causing motor impairments. Further studies with conditioned anxiety models are required to confirm these effects and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Significance Statement This study highlighted the potential of Salvia heldreichiana essential oil as a rapid-onset anxiolytic with minimal side effects. The oil significantly reduced serum cortisol levels, a key biomarker of stress, and showed a trend toward increased serotonin levels in the hippocampus, contributing to its anxiolytic effects, paralleling mechanisms observed in conventional anxiolytic medications. Unlike many existing treatments, Salvia heldreichiana did not induce sedation or impair motor coordination, highlighting its promise as a safer alternative for anxiety management. These findings suggested the essential oil could address the unmet need for fast-acting anxiety treatments without cognitive or physical drawbacks, making it relevant for both clinical and general use.