Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (BP) is a plant that is used worldwide to treat inflammation, infections, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders. While it is known that BP leaves are rich in flavonoids, the extent of the beneficial and toxic effects of its crude extracts remains unclear. Although some neurobehavioral studies using leaf extracts have been conducted, none has examined the effects of water-extracted leaf samples. The zebrafish is a powerful animal model used to gain insights into the efficacy and toxicity profiles of this plant due to its high fecundity, external development, and ease of performing behavioral assays. In this study, we performed behavioral testing after acute exposure to different concentrations of aqueous extract from leaves of B. pinnatum (LABP) on larval zebrafish, investigating light/dark preference, thigmotaxis, and locomotor activity parameters under both normal and stressed conditions. LABP demonstrated dose-and time-dependent biphasic effects on larval behavior. Acute exposure (25 min) to 500 mg/L LABP resulted in decreased locomotor activity. Exposure to 300 mg/L LABP during the sleep cycle decreased dark avoidance and thigmotaxis while increasing swimming velocity. After sleep deprivation, the group treated with 100 mg/L LABP showed decreased dark avoidance and increased velocity. After a heating stressor, the 30 mg/L and 300 mg/L LABP-treated groups showed decreased dark avoidance. These results suggest both anxiolytic and psychoactive effects of LABP in a dose-dependent manner in a larval zebrafish model. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying relevant behavioral effects, consequently supporting the safe and effective use of LABP for the treatment of mood disorders.

Highlights

  • The Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (BP) or Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (KP) [1] is a plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, more popularly known as “life-plant,” “fortuneplant,” “bruja” (Caribbean), “saião,” “coirama,” or “folha-de-pirarucu” (Brazil)

  • Toxicity assays revealed that only 120 h with high doses of leaves of B. pinnatum (LABP) exposure resulted in significant larval death

  • Our results indicate that the LABP has an important effect on the behavior of ZF larvae, such as decreasing avoidance and increasing exploratory behavior after different periods of exposure in normal and stressful situations

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (BP) or Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (KP) [1] is a plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, more popularly known as “life-plant,” “fortuneplant,” “bruja” (Caribbean), “saião,” “coirama,” or “folha-de-pirarucu” (Brazil). (KP) [1] is a plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, more popularly known as “life-plant,” “fortuneplant,” “bruja” (Caribbean), “saião,” “coirama,” or “folha-de-pirarucu” (Brazil). It originates from Madagascar, it is commonly found in tropical regions worldwide [2, 3]. This species is known for its resistance to drought for long periods and is easy to reproduce because its leaves sprout from edges. The leaves extract of BP (LBP) is primarily composed of cinnamic acids and flavonoids. The leaves are used in infusions, juices, and pastes in traditional medicine to treat inflammations and infections [5]. Its tincture and press juice forms are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders and prevent preterm delivery [6]

Objectives
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call