Abstract
Achyranthes aspera L. (Prickly Chaff flower) is an imperative Asian herb that has been known for numerous healing powers. The aim of this research is to investigate the pharmacological i.e., antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the methanol extract of aerial part of A. aspera (MEAA) by in vivo and in silico approaches. Additionally, thrombolytic potential of the crude extract has also been explored. The antidepressant and anxiolytic investigations were performed by force swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and hole board test (HBT) in mice, whereas clot lysis activity test was conducted using thrombolytic experimental method. Furthermore, in silico studies were appraised with Discovery studio, PyRx, UCSF Chimera whereas, PASS prediction, and ADME/T was implemented using online tools. Treatment with MEAA revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of immobility time in FST and TST, increased head dip** and decreased the latency of time in HBT. Besides, MEAA produced significant (p < 0.001) clot lysis activity at a minimum dose. In the computer-aided approach, among all the proteins, the docking score has been revealed ranging from − 2.31 kcal/mol to − 7.4 kcal/mol. Spathulenol, diazepam and hydroquinone showed the best binding affinity and all compounds were found safe in ADME/T study. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that MEAA may provide potential for mitigating depression, anxiety, and coagulation.
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Abbreviations
- ADME/T:
-
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity
- BDNF:
-
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- CADD:
-
Computer aided drug discovery
- FST:
-
Force swimming test
- GABA:
-
Gamma-aminobutyric acid
- HBT:
-
Hole board test
- MEAA:
-
Methanol extract of aerial part of A. asperaMethanol extract of aerial part of A. aspera
- NT-3:
-
Neurotrophin-3
- PASSPASS:
-
Predictions of activity of substances spectra
- SKSK:
-
Streptokinase
- SSRI:
-
Selective serotonin receptor inhibitors
- TST:
-
Tail suspension test
- UKUK:
-
Urokinase
- 5-HT:
-
5-hydroxytryptamine receptor
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong-4318, Bangladesh for providing instrumental and chemical facilities. The authors also wish to acknowledge Professor Dr. Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin, (University of Chittagong, Bangladesh).
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All biological property assessments were performed according to the ethical standards stated in the Declaration of Helsinki 2013. Animal models were held and treated in accordance with the principles of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences and Swiss Academy of Sciences and were euthanized following the Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 edition.
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Emon, N.U., Alam, S., Rudra, S. et al. Evaluation of pharmacological potentials of the aerial part of Achyranthes aspera L.: in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches. ADV TRADIT MED (ADTM) 22, 141–154 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00528-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00528-5