Neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects of Matricaria chamomilla ethanolic extract against harmine-induced anxiety and oxidative stress in rats exposed to forced swimming stress
Archives of Biological Sciences December 16, 2025 Hamida Youcef Islam, Chouba Ibtissem, Habbachi Wafa
An ethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (EEC) counteracted harmine-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in rats. In a forced swimming stress protocol, groups of Wistar rats received either harmine alone (40 mg/kg), EEC alone (200 or 500 mg/kg), or harmine combined with EEC. EEC ameliorated harmine-induced reductions in locomotor activity, exploration, and memory performance. It also lowered circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing brain oxidative-stress markers such as malondialdehyde. The findings suggest that oral EEC supplementation may enhance exploratory behavior and modulate oxidative stress, indicating a potential prophylactic effect against depressive states.