Chemical composition and anxiolytic-like effects of the Bauhinia platypetala

Abstract

Abstract:The pantropical genus Bauhinia, Fabaceae, known popularly as cow's foot, is widely used in folk medicine as antidiabetic. Behavioral effects of the ethanolic extract and ethereal, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions from B. platypetala Benth. ex Hemsl. leaves were studied in male Swiss mice. The ethanolic extract and fractions were administered intraperitoneally and its effects on spontaneous motor activity (total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior) were monitored. Anxiolytic-like properties were studied in the elevated plus-maze test and the possible antidepressantlike actions were evaluated in the forced swimming test. The results revealed that only the highest dose of the ethereal fraction (50 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a signifi cant decrease in total motility, locomotion and rearing. Sole dose injected (50 mg/kg) of ethanolic extract and ethereal fractions increased the exploration of the elevated plus-maze open arms in a similar way to that of diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.). In the forced swimming test, the ethanolic extract and their fractions (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) was not as effective as paroxetine (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) in reducing immobility. These results suggest that some of the components of the ethanolic extract and of the ethereal fraction from B. platypetala, such as p-cymene, phytol, D-lactic acid, hexadecanoic acid, among others, may have anxiolytic-like properties, which deserve further investigation. Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that ethanolic extract from B. platypetala and their fractions do not present antidepressive properties. However, these properties cannot be related to the chemical constituents identifi ed in this specie.

Evaluation of neuropharmacological effects of aqueous leaf extract of Albizia glaberrima (Leguminosae) in mice

“…On the other hand, the forced or voluntary passages of animals into the closed arms of the EPM are associated with hormonal and behavioral changes indicative of increased anxiety (Hogg, 1996;Santos et al, 2012). Avoidance of the open arm portrays a manifestation of fear and anxiety.…”

Mikania glomerata: Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Neurochemical Study

“…The arms perpendicularly intersect to form a cross, bounded by a central 10 × 10 cm area and 50 cm high from the ground. The maze is in a soundproof room, partially illuminated by an incandescent lamp (60 W), and is placed vertically, 150 cm above the apparatus [ 24 ].…”

Overcoming dormancy in Bauhinia scandens seeds

“…forficata, B. purpurea, and B. platypetala, were also used to create various phototherapies (Melo, Nascimento, Amorim, Andrade Lima, & Albuquerque, 2004). These plants possess anxiolytic and antibacterial properties and have therefore been indicated for the treatment of diabetes (Albuquerque, Simira, & Silva, 2000;Ahmed et al, 2012;Santos et al, 2012;Pereira et al, 2014).…”