Anxiolytic and Anticonvulsant Effects on Mice of Flavonoids, Linalool, and -Tocopherol Presents in the Extract of Leaves ofCissus sicyoidesL. (Vitaceae)

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the aerial parts ofCissus sicyoidesL. (CS) (Vitaceae) on male and female mice using several behavioral assays. Groups of males and females treated via intraperitoneal (IP) with doses of 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract showed significant action in the elevated plus-maze (EPM), time spent in the open arms, and number of entries in the open arms. The board-hole test also showed a significant increase in the time spent in head-dipping and in marble-burying test of the number of marbles buried. The same treatment increased the duration of sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital and also showed a significant increase in protection against pentylenotetrazole-induced convulsions. These results indicate an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant-like action fromC. sicyoidesL. extract on mice, probably due to the action of flavonoid(s), Linalool, and -tocopherol present in theC. sicyoidesleaves.