2Department of Animal science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IRAN.
Objective: Anxiety disorders are from common disorders of human. Drug treatments have side effects, and searching new ways with fewer side effects is inevitable. Ginger is a medicinal plant with many therapeutic effects. Methods: In current study the effects of ginger extract and diazepam on anxiety reduction of laboratory mice were investigated. Sixty female mice (25-30g) were divided into six groups including control, anxiety, diazepam and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg extract doses. After receiving the last dose, all groups except control group were placed in dark box to enforce anxiety. Next, anxiety evaluation test was carried out using plus elevated maze. The number of open and close arms were considered as anxiety indices. Results: According to results, ginger extract reduced anxiety in all doses in proportion to control and diazepam groups. Also, movement activity was increased in 200 mg/kg dose significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, ginger extract in 200 mg/kg dose can be an appropriate replacement for diazepam to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Key words: Ginger, Anxiety, Diazepam, Plus elevated maze, Mice.