(Artigo 8 publicado v.28 n.2) Avaliação da atividade ansiolítica e antidepressiva do extrato fluido e fração aquosa de folhas de <em>Passiflora alata</em> Curtis em camundongos

Abstract

The fluid extract (FE), prepared according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoea, obtained from the leaves of Passiflora alata and its aqueous fraction (AF), were administered by oral route to mice, and the behavioural effects were evaluated using animal models that detect anxiolytic and antidepressant activities, such as the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the tail suspension test (TST). Effects on general motor activity were monitored in the open field. Sedative effects were observed with FE (100 and 300 mg kg -1 ) and AF (100, 300 and 600 mg kg -1 ) and were characterized by a decreased number of entries in the enclosed arms of the EPM and a decrease in the number of crossings and rearing in the open field. In the TST, FE (100 mg kg -1 ) and AF (100 and 300 mg kg -1 ) induced an increase in the immobility time. These results are relevant because they contribute to validate the traditional use of this plant