Anxiolytic effects of the flavonoid luteolin in a mouse model of acute colitis

Anxiety related disorders commonly occur in association with major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals suffering from peripheral inflammation, with a higher prevalence among IBS patients. We have previously shown that the bioflavonoid luteolin has pronounced analgesic and antidepressant-like effects in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Here, we further evaluate the biological effect of luteolin as a possible anxiolytic agent in DSS treated mice. Anxiolytic action was evaluated using the open field test (OF), the novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the elevated plus maze test (EPM). Luteolin increased the number of crossings in the center of the OF apparatus, reduced the latency to interact with the food pellet in the NSFT, and increased the time spent in the open arms in the EPM. These results suggest luteolin as a possible natural anxiolytic molecule without sedative effects, thus reinforcing its therapeutic potential for the comorbidities involving peripheral inflammation, pain, mood and anxiety-related disorders.