Investigation of the anxiolytic effects of luteolin, a lemon balm flavonoid in the male Sprague-Dawley rat

AANA J. 2009 Feb;77(1):33-6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic effects of luteolin and its potential interaction with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Lemon balm has traditionally been used as an herbal remedy in the treatment of many medical conditions, including anxiety. Luteolin is a major component of the essential oil lemon balm. We divided 55 rats into 5 groups: (1) control (negative control), (2) luteolin, (3) midazolam (positive control), (4) flumazenil and luteolin, and (5) midazolam and luteolin. The behavioral component of anxiety was examined by using the elevated plus-maze (open arm time/total time) and motor movements. Data analyses were performed using a 2-tailed multivariate analysis of variance and Sheffé post hoc test. Our data suggest that luteolin does not produce anxiolysis by modulation of the GABAA receptor; however, luteolin may modulate motor movements and locomotion.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anxiety / prevention & control*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Flumazenil / administration & dosage
  • Flumazenil / pharmacology
  • Flumazenil / therapeutic use
  • GABA Modulators / administration & dosage
  • GABA Modulators / pharmacology
  • GABA Modulators / therapeutic use
  • Luteolin / pharmacology*
  • Luteolin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Midazolam / administration & dosage
  • Midazolam / pharmacology
  • Midazolam / therapeutic use
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • GABA Modulators
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Flumazenil
  • Luteolin
  • Midazolam