Neuropharmacological characterization of the oneirogenic Mexican plant Calea zacatechichi aqueous extract in mice

Abstract

This study evaluates the neuropharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of the Mexican plant Calea zacatechichi Schltdl., which is commonly used in folk medicine to treat cough, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it has been used for centuries in traditional rituals based on divination and is thought to possess hallucinogenic activity. To test the neuropharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of C. zacatechichi we used mouse models of convulsions, an elevated plus-maze test and measured locomotor activity. We also evaluated the effect of the extract on antidepressant-like behavior in forced swim test, as well as on muscular strength in a grip test. Moreover the antinociceptive action of the extract was evaluated in the hot-plate and writhing tests. The chemical composition of the extract was evaluated using LC-MS techniques. The aqueous extract of C. zacatechichi did not affect any of the parameters measured in seizure models. It had also no influence on anxiety, exploratory behavior and muscular strength in the applied doses. On the other hand, the extract exhibited antinociceptive effect in the mouse model of abdominal pain. Chemical characterization of the extract showed the presence of chlorogenic acid, acacetin, and germacranolides. Based on this report we suggest that aqueous extract of C. zacatechichi has insignificant neuropharmacological effects in vivo and reduces abdominal pain perception. Our results, together with previous studies showing beneficial effects of the extracts obtained from C. zacatechichi suggest that these preparations may be used to treat medical conditions.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of Major Compounds from Calea ternifolia

“…Thus, the organic extract was not toxic according to the Lorke criteria. These outcomes are consistent with the safe ancestral consumption of this indigenous species and the lack of neuropharmacological effects observed by Salaga and coworkers [ 9 ]. It will be appropriated, however, to subject this plant to normal pharmacovigilance practices to provide assurance of its long-term innocuity.…”

“…Previous pharmacological investigations showed that the plant exhibited antiinflammatory [ 4 , 5 ], antiplasmodial [ 6 ], antileshimanial [ 7 ], antimicrobial, antidiarrheal and antinociceptive effects [ 8 ]. Recent neuropharmacological evaluation of an aqueous extract of C. ternifolia using the mouse models of convulsion, forced swim, elevated plus-maze, muscular strength in a grip and locomotor tests, revealed that the aqueous extract had not significant effects in these assays [ 9 ]. However, an organic extract of this herb displayed significant cytotoxicity against human proximal tubule HK-2 cells and increased the level of nephrotoxicity biomarkers [ 10 ].…”

The genus Calea L.: A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities

“…Also, it was not observed influence in anxiety, exploratory behavior, muscular strength, and centrally mediated antinociception. However, a statistically significant antinociceptive action (200 mg·kg −1 , p < .05) was detected in acetic acid induced writhing test (Salaga et al, ).…”

“…Further, Calea zacatechichi Schltdl. species is commonly used in Mexico as cholestatic, cathartic, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, psychotropic (Hernandez‐Galicia et al, ; Mayagoitia, Diaz, & Contreras, ; Salaga et al, ; Zamora‐Martinez & Pola, ), and to treat inflammation‐related diseases (rheumatism and edema) and respiratory problems (asthma and cough; Salaga, Kowalczuk, Zielinska, Blazewick, & Fichna, ; Venegas‐Flores, Segura‐Cobos, & Vazquez‐Cruz, ). El Salvador's population uses Calea urticifolia (Mill.)…”

Safety of Aqueous Extract of Calea ternifolia Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine

“…For this, C. ternifolia is used in several countries, although it was placed on the prohibited plant list in Poland in 2013 [4]. A more recent study of the neuropharmacological action of the aqueous extract of C. zacatechichi indicates that it has insignificant neuropharmacological effects and also reduces the abdominal pain perception [5]. It is also traditionally used for the treatment of endocrine and gastrointestinal problems [6].…”