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

Thiago Henrique Costa Marques, Cássio Herbert Santos de Melo, Rivelilson Mendes de Freitas
2012 Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia  
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
more » ... e 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. Keywords : antidepressant antioxidant anxiety Bellis perennis ethanolic extract In vitro evaluation of antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the Bellis perennis extract Thiago Henrique Costa Marques et al. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. Braz. J. Pharmacogn. 22(5): Sep./Oct. 2012 In vitro evaluation of antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the Bellis perennis extract Thiago Henrique Costa Marques et al. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. Braz. J. Pharmacogn. 22(5): Sep./Oct. 2012 In vitro evaluation of antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the Bellis perennis extract Thiago Henrique Costa Marques et al. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. Braz. J. Pharmacogn. 22(5): Sep.
doi:10.1590/s0102-695x2012005000082 fatcat:wzkzm62lnndhrd543zc6vimubu