Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Vol. 2, Issue 5 (2014)
Sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of inhalation of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. from cameroon in mice
Author(s):
Joan Manjuh Tankam, Michiho Ito
Abstract:
In this study, the behavioral effects of inhalation of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum from Cameroon were investigated. The open field test, light/dark box test, tail suspension test and Rota-rod test were used to assess the sedative, anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like and motor coordination effects respectively, in mice. GC and GC/MS analyses were performed to investigate the chemical composition of O. gratissimum essential oil. Phytochemical analysis revealed thymol (68%) as main compound of O. gratissimum essential oil. Inhalation of O. gratissimum essential oil showed potent sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in mice, and did not cause any deleterious effects on motor coordination. It is suggested that a synergistic effect of the constituents of O. gratissimum essential oil might account for its sedative activity. In conclusion, inhalation of O. gratissimum essential oil might have aromatherapeutic potential.
Pages: 01-09 | 3297 Views 694 Downloads
Joan Manjuh Tankam, Michiho Ito. Sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of inhalation of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. from cameroon in mice. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2014;2(5):01-09.