The anxiolytic effect of the chemical constituent of the roots of Cordia myxa (Boraginaceae)

Abstract

Neurodegenerative pathology such as anxiety was studied on one of the compounds that were isolated from the root of Cordia myxa, a plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. The investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the root of Cordia myxa had led to the isolation of Alphitolic acid (Betulinic dihydroxy-2α, 3β acid) compound 1 and stigmasterol (Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3β-ol) compound 2.The isolation and characterization of these compounds were carried out respectively by using column chromatography and NMR (1D, 2D). The anxiolytic activity of the compound 1 (1mg/kg, 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg, i.p) were evaluated in mus musculus mice of the swiss strain, the behavioral assays included Open Field Test Activity and Light-Dark transition test. Compound 1 significantly (δδP< 0.01, δδδP< 0.001 and δP<0,05) decreased the anxiety on several parameters, taking benzodiazepine (2mg/kg; Roche, France, i.p) as reference.