Effect of inhalation alcoholic extract of Peganum harmala on induction of Anxiety like behavior in Elevated Plus-Maze

Introduction: Based on the extensive application of Peganum harmala (P.h) seeds in the Asian traditional medicine, we tried to investigate its possible anxiety effect. Method: The effect of P.h. extract inhalation was evaluated in adult male rats using elevated plus-maze apparatus. The humidity of prepared ethanol extract was 37%. Animals in different groups (n=6) received 2, 4, 6, 12 or 18 gr/ml doses of the extract using Nebulizer. harmaline drug (0.13 gr/ml) was used as positive control drug. Results: Compared with saline treated group, harmaline as the positive control significantly caused fear in rats as it was shown by increased time spent in closed arm of plus-maze (p< 0.05). Also, ethanol extract of P.h was able to show anxiety effect at doses 6, 12 and 18 mg/ml (p <0.05). Conclusion: Our data showed effective anxiety effect of ethanol extract of Peganum harmala. Its effect should be considered in the context of its extensive usage in the men daily life. More studies are required to elucidate its mechanism and site of action.