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Possible anxiolytic effect of two extracts of Passiflora quadrangularis L. in experimental models
Author(s) -
de Castro Pollyanna Celso F.,
Hoshino Alberto,
Silva Jair Campos da,
Mendes Fúlvio Rieli
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2079
Subject(s) - anxiolytic , open field , elevated plus maze , passiflora , diazepam , traditional medicine , aqueous extract , locomotor activity , pharmacology , chemistry , psychology , medicine , biology , botany , anxiety , psychiatry
Several species of the genus Passiflora , known in Brazil as ‘maracujá’, have widespread use in folk medicine as sedatives and anxiolytics. The anxiolytic activities of aqueous and hydroalcohol extracts of Passiflora quadrangularis leaves were evaluated using the elevated plus‐maze, open field and holeboard tests. The hydroalcohol extract presented results suggestive of anxiolytic activity in dosages around 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, as expressed by elevation of the time spent on the open arms in the plus‐maze; a decrease of freezing and an increase of deambulation and rearing in the open field test. The hydroalcohol extract showed results similar to diazepam on the holeboard. No positive results were found for the aqueous extract. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.