investigation of anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effect of passiflora alata using in vitro and in vivo models

Abstract

Objective: newlineEpilepsy is a complex neurological disorder, and its management typically requires using prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to control seizures effectively. Passiflora alata, the winged-stem passionflower has a long history of traditional use in various cultures, including as a sedative, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and analgesic agent. In recent years, scientific evidence indicating the utility of this plant in the treatment of anxiety and epilepsy prompted us to investigate it for convulsion and anxiety with different experimental screening methods. newlineMethodology: newlineThe dried plant powder was extracted using Soxhlet utilising four different solvents. The preliminary phytochemical screening results provide an initial insight into the types of phytochemicals present in the different parts of the plant, which can be useful in identifying potential bioactive compounds. Estimation of total phenolic, total tannin and total flavonoid was carried out, followed by in-vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH antiradical assay, NO scavenging assay, Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and Superoxide radical scavenging assay. newlineTLC studies and HPTLC study performed to support the previous findings and to set up phytochemical profile of plant. Acute oral toxicity study of Passiflora alata was carried out according to OECD 423 guideline in rat and two doses were selected 200 and 400 mg/kg to reveal its therapeutics effect. newlineThe present study investigated the protective effect of the methanolic extract of Passiflora alata against antianxiety and anti-convulsant activity. Different in vitro and in vivo screening methods like GABA receptor binding assay, AchE inhibition assay, elevated plus maze model, open field test, rota rod test, Maximal electrical shock methods and Pentylenetetrazole indued convulsion screening methods were used to assess the therapeutic potential of plant parts. Estimation of biochemical parameters were checked by determination of super oxide dismutase, catalase and MDA level in rat brain homogenate. Levels o