Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract (EE) from Citrus limon were
studied in mice. Anxiolytic activity was evaluated using open field and elevated plus-maze tests. The
antidepressant effect of the extract was studied by forced swimming test in mice. Phytochemical
screening of the ethanolic extracts indicated the presence of cumarin and triterpenoids/steriods. In the
open field test, the oral route administration EE alone showed significant sedative and antidepressant
activities in mice (p < 0.05). EE did not alter motor coordination. The EE, at three doses tested, showed
antidepressant effect and produced decrease in immobility time. It is concluded that the EE of the aerial
parts of C. limon have a sedative effect, which may be mediated by benzodiazepine-type receptors, and
also an antidepressant effect where noradrenergic and serotoninergic mechanisms will probably play a
role.