Dose Dependent Effects of Lemon Peel Oil on Oxidative Stress and Psychological Behaviors in Rats

The therapeutic potency of plants has been known for ages and the ability to divulge their biological activity is an area of great interest. Citrus lemon is traditionally used as an antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. This study intended to determine the potential role of lemon peel oil in neurobehavioral function and oxidative stress. Rats were treated with lemon peel oil at a dose of 0.7, 1.4, 2.1, 2.7, 3.5 g/kg for 14 days. Results showed that lemon peel oil at low doses has antidepressant and anxiolytic activity. Muscular strength was also improved at low doses. The brain antioxidant defense enzymes were also enhanced whereas plasma corticosterone levels were significantly decreased following the administration of a low dose of lemon peel oil. However, rats administered with higher doses of lemon peel oil that act as prooxidants showed depression and anxiety-like effects, and impaired muscular strength. Altered brain antioxidant enzyme activity and elevated corticosterone in plasma were also observed in rats treated with a high dose of lemon peel oil. The present study demonstrates that a low dose of lemon peel oil has a potential therapeutic effect on psychological functions following 14 days of oral administration in rats. Lemon peel oil could be considered for therapeutic use against deleterious effects of oxidative stress, which a low dose of lemon peel oil dramatically reduced in rats.