Anti-depression effect of Chimonanthus salicifolicus essential oil in chronic stressed rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the interventional effect of the Chimonanthus salicifolicus essential oil on murine chronic stress-induced anxiety. Rats model of uncertainty empty bottle was established to induce anxiety. The exploratory change, grooming and attack behaviors were observed. After 7 days training period followed by continuous 14 days’ stimulation, rats serum level of glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected. The results showed that rat model of uncertainty empty bottle induced anxiety well. C. salicifolicus essential oil smelling could significantly appease the anxiety of rat which include the reduction of attacking behaviors. It also showed a reduced effect to the level of TC and GLU. The result also indicated that C. salicifolicus essential oil might have an anti-anxiety effect on rat uncertainty empty bottle model and could be used as a potential. Key words: Anxiolytics, Chimonanthus salicifolicus essential oil, chronic emotional stress.