Anxiolytic-like effects of <i>Tilia petiolaris</i> DC

Abstract

Infusions of the inflorescences of Tilia are widely used for their tranquilizing properties around the world and have been regarded as non-toxic. Despite the widespread use of the tea of silver Linden in folk medicine, the number of scientific studies for the evaluation of its therapeutic utilization is limited. In an attempt to add experimental confirmation to its popular medicinal use, the central nervous system related effects of the chronic ingestion of the infusion of Tilia petiolaris DC. inflorescences were evaluated in the holeboard, locomotor activity and light-dark tests in mice. The infusion induced significant increases in the exploration of holes and in the time spent head-dipping in the holeboard assay. Moreover, it significantly increased the time spent in the light area in the light-dark test. These results suggest that the infusion of Tilia petiolaris DC. inflorescences exerts an anxiolytic-like activity in mice.