ALKALOID BAUHINIA EXTRACTS REDUCE DEPRESSIVE BEHAVIOR OF MICE WITH LOW TOXICITY

Abstract

Introduction: depression is a serious public health problem with high prevalence, recurrence, and chronicity. Several treatments have adverse effects and low adherence, which justifies the search for new anxiolytic substances. The objective was to extract alkaloids from the leaves of Bauhinia variegata (BV), Bauhinia variegata candida (BVC) and Bauhinia ungulata (BU) and to evaluate their toxicity and activities on the behavior of depressed mice. Methods: the alkaloids were obtained by exhaustive extraction. The mice were induced to depression by forced swimming and received daily, by gavage, the alkaloid extracts of Bauhinia. Behavior was assessed by Light-Dark test (LD) and Elevated Plus Maze test (EMH). For toxicity test, the animals received an extracts single dose by gavage. They were observed behavior, feces, food, and water consumption. The adrenals, liver, spleen, and kidneys were measured and histological analyzes of the livers were performed. Results: BVC and BU treatments increased the number of stalking (EMH) as well as BV also increased the spent time in the illuminated area. In LD test, BU and BV extract increased permanence time in the illuminated area. Punctual changes were observed in animal breath treated with BV and BU and in the water consumption of the BV group. The organs dimensions and liver histology were not changed. Conclusion:  BV and BU have potential activity on depression with a low toxicity index, enabling greater adherence to treatment. However, complementary studies must be completed.