Introduction: Crataegus monogyna is a rich source of flavonoids with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Crataegus monogyna extract on anxiety, depression, and pain in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: Intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in rats. After observing the symptoms of diabetes 72 h post-injection (i.e., weight loss, an increase of over 250 mg/dl in blood glucose level, and polydipsia), the rats were subjected to treatments using extract and drug for 3 weeks. The animals were divided into six groups, including healthy control (normal saline), diabetic control (streptozotocin), intervention (Crataegus monogyna extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and positive control (capitrile). Behavioral tests were performed on the subjects after 3 weeks.

Results: The administration of Crataegus monogyna extract to diabetic rats resulted in an insignificant decrease in the number of entries and the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P>0.05). The induction of diabetes significantly reduced the ability to maintain balance and motor resistance in the rotarod test (P<0.05), and Crataegus monogyna extract improved these effects; however, the difference was not significant. The frequency of being centered on open plate test in the diabetic rats received Crataegus monogyna extract was higher than that of the other diabetic rats; nonetheless, the difference was not significant. The response time to pain was reduced in diabetic rats, and the Crataegus monogyna extract insignificantly increased this time (P>0.05).

Conclusion: As the findings indicated, Crataegus monogyna extract could partially improve anxiety, depression, pain, and imbalance in diabetic rats. It seems that the administration of higher doses would improve the efficiency of this extract in this regard.