Anti-anxiety Activity of Cymbopogon citratus (dc.) stapf Leaves Extracts on the Elevated Plus-Maze Model of Anxiety in Mice

The Methanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus leaves at the dose of 200 mg/kg increased the percentage of time-spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and decreased the percentage of time-spent in the closed arms of EPM. Moreover, it prolonged the ketamine-induced latency to sleep but had no significant effects on total sleeping time induced by ketamine. Also, the locomotor activity was affected but not to the same extent as observed for diazepam. The anxiolytic effects of methanol extract Cymbopogon citratus leaves may be related to their content of flavonoids. This study validates the traditional use of the plant in management of anxiety.