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Evaluation of pharmacological potentials of the aerial part of Achyranthes aspera L.: in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches

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Abstract

Achyranthes aspera L. (Prickly Chaff flower) is an imperative Asian herb that has been known for numerous healing powers. The aim of this research is to investigate the pharmacological i.e., antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the methanol extract of aerial part of A. aspera (MEAA) by in vivo and in silico approaches. Additionally, thrombolytic potential of the crude extract has also been explored. The antidepressant and anxiolytic investigations were performed by force swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and hole board test (HBT) in mice, whereas clot lysis activity test was conducted using thrombolytic experimental method. Furthermore, in silico studies were appraised with Discovery studio, PyRx, UCSF Chimera whereas, PASS prediction, and ADME/T was implemented using online tools. Treatment with MEAA revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of immobility time in FST and TST, increased head dipping and decreased the latency of time in HBT. Besides, MEAA produced significant (p < 0.001) clot lysis activity at a minimum dose. In the computer-aided approach, among all the proteins, the docking score has been revealed ranging from − 2.31 kcal/mol to − 7.4 kcal/mol. Spathulenol, diazepam and hydroquinone showed the best binding affinity and all compounds were found safe in ADME/T study. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that MEAA may provide potential for mitigating depression, anxiety, and coagulation.

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Abbreviations

ADME/T:

Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity

BDNF:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor

CADD:

Computer aided drug discovery

FST:

Force swimming test

GABA:

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

HBT:

Hole board test

MEAA:

Methanol extract of aerial part of A. asperaMethanol extract of aerial part of A. aspera

NT-3:

Neurotrophin-3

PASSPASS:

Predictions of activity of substances spectra

SKSK:

Streptokinase

SSRI:

Selective serotonin receptor inhibitors

TST:

Tail suspension test

UKUK:

Urokinase

5-HT:

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong-4318, Bangladesh for providing instrumental and chemical facilities. The authors also wish to acknowledge Professor Dr. Shaikh Bokhtear Uddin, (University of Chittagong, Bangladesh).

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Author notes

  1. Nazim Uddin Emon and Safaet Alam have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, School of Science and Technology, BOU, Gazipur, Dhaka, 1705, Bangladesh

    Nazim Uddin Emon

  2. Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh

    Safaet Alam

  3. Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh

    Sajib Rudra

  4. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh

    Sabiha Chowdhury & Amlan Ganguly

  5. Department of Pharmacy, Comilla University, Kotbari, Cumilla, 3506, Bangladesh

    Joy Chandra Rajbangshi

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  1. Nazim Uddin Emon
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All the authors contributed equally.

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Correspondence to Safaet Alam or Amlan Ganguly.

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All biological property assessments were performed according to the ethical standards stated in the Declaration of Helsinki 2013. Animal models were held and treated in accordance with the principles of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences and Swiss Academy of Sciences and were euthanized following the Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 edition.

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Emon, N.U., Alam, S., Rudra, S. et al. Evaluation of pharmacological potentials of the aerial part of Achyranthes aspera L.: in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches. ADV TRADIT MED (ADTM) 22, 141–154 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00528-5

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