Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Chrysanthemum indicum Aqueous Extract in Mice: Possible Involvement of GABA(A) Receptors and 5-HT1A Receptors

Abstract

Chrysanthemum indicum Linne is an ancient herbal medicine used to treat bone and muscle deterioration, ocular inflammation, headache, and anxiety in Korea, China, and Japan. Furthermore, tea derived from Chrysanthemum indicum Linne has been used to treat anxiety by facilitating relaxation and curing insomnia. However, no reports exist on the anxiolytic-like effects of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne water extract (CWE) in mice. In the present study, we investigated the anxiolytic-like effects of CWE using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in mice. CWE, at a dose of 500 mg/kg (p.o.), significantly increased the time spent in the open arms of the EPM compared to a vehicle-injected control group. Moreover, the effect of CWE (500 mg/kg) was blocked by bicuculline (a selective GABA(A) receptor antagonist) and WAY 100635 (a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist). Taken together, these findings suggest that the anxiolytic-like effects of CWE might be mediated by the GABA(A) receptor and the 5-HT1A receptor.