Antidepressant-like and toxicological effects of a standardized aqueous extract of Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray (Asteraceae) in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: C. mexicana A. Gray (Asteraceae) is a native of North America plant. In Mexico׳s folk medicine it is used for the fever, rheumatism and as a diuretic, antispasmodic, general tonic or adaptogenic herb, and as a stimulant agent. The aim of the study was to examine the antidepressant-like properties of an aqueous extract of C. mexicana (Cm), in order to scientifically describe its potential value in the management of depressive disorders. To evaluate the acute and subacute toxic effects of Cm and effects on hepatic and biochemical functions in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant-like effects of Cm were evaluated in the Forced swimming and suspension tail tests (FST and TST), the ambulatory activity was measure in the Open Field Test (OFT), motor coordination was evaluated in the inverted screen and gyratory roller (IST and Rota-rod), the biochemical and histopathological analysis were carried out. Phytochemical studies of organic and aqueous extracts of Cm were thoroughly conducted. RESULTS: Cm produced a significant reduction of the immobility time both FST and in TST, without affect the ambulatory activity of experimental mice. Cm did not produce any damage in the hepatic functions, nor produce any significant change in the morphological tissue of organs examined. CONCLUSIONS: Chrysactinia mexicana induces a clear antidepressant-like effect in mice, without affect any basic functions. The consumption of this medicinal plant does not represent risk for health. The chemical analysis showed the flavonoids free and glycosides mainly.

Central nervous system effects and chemical composition of two subspecies of Agastache mexicana; an ethnomedicine of Mexico.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Agastache mexicana subspecies mexicana (Amm) and xolocotziana (Amx) are used in Mexican traditional medicine to relief cultural affiliation syndromes known as "susto" or "espanto", for "nervous" condition, and as a sleep aid. Despite its intensive use, neuropharmacological studies are scarce, and the chemical composition of the aqueous extracts has not been described. Aims of the study are: (1) To analyze the chemical composition of aqueous extracts from aerial parts of Amm and Amx. (2) To evaluate the anxiolytic-like, sedative, antidepressant-like effects. (3) Analyze the general toxic effects of different doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anxiolytic-like and sedative effects were measured in the avoidance exploratory behavior, burying behavior and the hole-board tests. The antidepressant-like actions were studied in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Finally, general activity and motor coordination disturbances were evaluated in the open field, inverted screen and rota-rod tests. The acute toxicity of Amm and Amx was determined by calculating their LD50 (mean lethal dose). The chemical analyses were performed employing chromatographic, photometric and HPLC-ESI-MS techniques. RESULTS: Low doses of Amm and Amx (0.1σ1.0mg/kg) induced anxiolytic-like actions; while higher doses (over 10mg/kg) induced sedation and reduced the locomotor activity, exerting a general inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). CONCLUSIONS: Results support the use of Amm and Amx in traditional medicine as tranquilizers and sleep inducers. Additionally, this paper contributes to the knowledge of the chemical composition of the aqueous extracts of these plants.