In vitro evaluation of antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the Bellis perennis extract

Abstract

Acute toxicity, antioxidant activity in vitro and general pharmacological effects of the fl ower crude ethanolic extract of Bellis perennis L., Asteraceae, a popular medicine used in South America, were investigated in mice. The oral route LD50 value was found 2.31 g/kg. Oral administration at doses 50, 100 and 150 mg/ kg of the extract neither caused significant changes in general behavior nor led to toxic symptoms. Anxiolytic-like properties were studied in the open fi eld test and the possible antidepressant-like actions were evaluated in the forced swimming test (FST). There is a signifi cant decrease in the number of crossings at all dosages mentioned above, but no sedative effects at any dosages when compared to controls. In the FST, the extract dosage of 150 mg/kg was effective in reducing immobility, along with a signifi cant increase in swimming time. The ethanolic extract showed strong antioxidant potential in vitro, through the removal capacity against hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide as well as prevented the formation of reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS). Together, these results indicate that the ethanolic extract has effect on central nervous system, which might due to its antioxidant property, as demonstrated in vitro methods used. These results suggest that some of the components in ethanolic extract of B. perennis, such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds and fl avonoids may have antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties. Additional investigations are in progress.

Chemical and Pharmacological Investigation of the Stem Bark of Synadenium grantii

“…These findings highlight the importance of evaluating antioxidant activity, since it depends on the structural characteristics of organic compounds, in most cases due to the presence of terpenes and, mainly, phenolic groups. Marques et al state that alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids present in the ethanolic extract of Bellis perennis may be responsible for the antioxidant properties of this species [19]. In the same way, Gülçin explains that phenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, affect a wide range of intracellular mediators as well as inhibiting lipid peroxidation in a stronger manner than the antioxidants BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol, and trolox [20].…”

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracts prepared from different tissues of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi that occurs in the coast of Bahia, Brazil

“…However, the antioxidant properties of a given extract are mainly due to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. [ 40 41 42 43 44 ] Antioxidant activity of extracts prepared in ethanol, dichloromethane, as well as of the essential oils obtained from leaves of S. terebinthifolius have been reported. [ 6 9 30 32 45 ] It has been reported that extracts prepared with ethanol show higher antioxidant potential, therefore justifying the use of ethanol as the extraction solvent in this study.…”

GC-MS Phytochemical Profiling, Pharmacological Properties, and In Silico Studies of Chukrasia velutina Leaves: A Novel Source for Bioactive Agents

“…Depression creates anxiety inside of the mind and the wired behavior happens [ 12 ]. To investigate the anxiolytic action of MECVL, we selected a few animal models such as the hole board test, elevated plus maze test, and light/dark box test in rodents and these models are very classic and standard for determining the anxiolytic effect of plant extract [ 8 , 31 , 32 ]. To consider a hypothesis of HBT, the head dipping of rodents is conversely proportional to their state of anxiety in the tolerable aversive condition [ 6 , 10 ].…”