STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF LEMON BALM (MELISSA OFFICINALIS L.) USING BEHAVIORAL MODELS
The nature of the functional activity of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., family Lamiaceae) on Wistar rats (females, weighing 175-210 g) was evaluated (using physiological behavioral models) in the work performed on the basis of the North Ossetian State University. Behavioral responses were assessed using three test systems (the Elevated Cross-Shaped Maze (ECM), the Black and White Camera (BWC), and the Open Field (OF)) in a certain sequence, taking into account the stress potential of the used equipment on the animal and the possibility of habituation. Water-alcohol infusions of lemon balm, sweet clover and common chicory were prepared. BWC test (using Melissa officinalis) caused: 1) an increase in the number and time of peeking out of the dark part of the chamber by more than 2 times; 2) the duration of the stay of animals in the light chamber by more than 5 times: 3) a decrease in the stay in the dark compartment of the chamber. At the same time, the frequency of urination significantly decreased. According to the ECM test: 1) the number of fadings decreased by more than 2 times; 3) duration decreased by more than 5 times; 3) the number of urinations significantly decreased. On the OF model: 1) the latent period of going to the periphery decreased (by 2 times); 2) the duration of grooming acts decreased (by 3 times); 3) the number of fading decreased by almost 5; 4) duration decreased by more than 6 times. At the same time, a significant increase in horizontal (p <0.05) and vertical (p <0.05) locomotor activity and in the amount of mink sniffing (p <0.01) were also observed. Such data are regarded as a pronounced anxiolytic effect of lemon balm identified by all three tests used. When using ordinary chicory, the changes were less pronounced, but their dynamics also indicated the manifestation of the sedative effect of the extract on animals.