Shahrbanoo Alami-Rostami
1*, Maryam Rafieirad
2 
1 Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Gomishan Center, Gorgan Branch, Gorgan, Iran
2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Izeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Izeh, Iran
Abstract
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, 50 male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups including intact (control), ischemic hypoperfusion without extract and three groups of ischemic hypo-perfusion, for 14 days, received 100, 200 and 400 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 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg doses of the extract significantly reduced the number of raising hands, especially at the dose of 200 (P < 0.05), and all three doses reduced the number of defecations (P < 0.001). Consumption of 400 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 < 0.05).Conclusion: Ferulago angulata extract reduces anxiety in animal models of ischemia, which is probably due to some phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activity.