An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid of volatile aromatic (odoriferous) compounds of a plant. Plants from Salvia genus are rich in essential oils that have an activity on the nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of essential oil from Salvia genus plants on the rat model of schizophrenia. L-methionine was used to create the animal model of schizophrenia. Schizophrenic animals were exposed to Salvia essential oil for 21 days. Elevated plus maze and forced swim test were used for the anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects of the Salvia spp. essential oil. Our results show that Salvia spp. essential oil significantly reduced the depression and decreases slightly the anxiety level created by L-methionine in rats. These medicinal plants could be used to delay the onset of schizophrenia and treat people with this disorder by reducing their anxiety and depression.

Schizophrenia, Salvia spp, anxiolytic, antidepressive