The effects of angelica essential oil in social interaction and hole-board tests

In our previous studies, we have demonstrated the anxiolytic effects of angelica essential oil in three anxiety models using mice. This study aimed to characterize the similar behavior effects of angelica essential oil in the social interaction test of anxiety and the hole-board test of exploration and locomotor activity in rats. These results indicate that angelica essential oil possessed a wide range of anxiolytic properties. In the social interaction test, angelica essential oil decreased aggressive behaviors at the doses of 21 and 42 mg/kg, while the doses of 21 and 42 mg/kg significantly increased social interaction time of the high light, unfamiliar test condition and 21 mg/kg could also prolong social interaction time of the high light, familiar test condition. In the hole-board test, angelica essential oil at 10.5 mg/kg significantly increased head-dipping counts and duration. Thus, our findings suggest the potential usefulness of angelica essential oil against various types of anxiety-related disorders and social failure.