Isolation and Characterization of Two New Secondary Metabolites From Quercus incana and Their Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-Like Potential

Abstract

The ethyl acetate fraction of Quercus incana yielded two new compounds [1 and 2]. The characterization and structure elucidation of these compounds were carried out through various spectroscopic techniques such as mass spectrometry along with one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. The structural formula was deduced to be 2-(4-hydroxybutan-2-yl)-5-methoxyphenol [1] and 4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl) pentanoic acid [2]. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and light–dark box (LDB) tests (classical mouse models) were performed in order to reveal the anxiolytic potential of both compounds [1 and 2]. Both compounds displayed dose-dependent increases in open-arm entries and time spent in open arms in EPM (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01), and increased the time spent in the lit compartment and increased transitions between the two compartments in LDB test (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01). Co-administration of selective benzodiazepine (BZP) receptor antagonist, flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg) with compounds [1 and 2] decreased the anxiolytic-like activity of both compounds in the EPM indicating BZP-binding site of GABA-A receptors are involved in the anxiolytic-like effect. Similarly, both compounds at the dose level of 10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p. exerted pronounced antidepressant-like effect in both forced swimming as well as tail suspension tests (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01; ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test). The effect at 30 mg/kg was comparable to the reference drug imipramine (60 mg/kg).

Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Quercus Species

“…e lowest MIC values were found for extracts for E. coli. In a study carried out by Sarwar et al [28], the antibacterial activity of the gold nanoparticle synthesized from the leaves of Quercus incana was evaluated against the human pathogens (Pseudomonas 12 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine e results showed enhanced antibacterial activity against all bacterial pathogens. Besides, the ethanolic extracts of Q. persica have been also tested against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae [99].…”

“…The lowest MIC values were found for extracts for E. coli . In a study carried out by Sarwar et al [ 28 ], the antibacterial activity of the gold nanoparticle synthesized from the leaves of Quercus incana was evaluated against the human pathogens ( Pseudomonas pickettii, Salmonella setubal, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger ). The results showed enhanced antibacterial activity against all bacterial pathogens.…”

Intervention in Neuropsychiatric Disorders by Suppressing Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Signal and Exploration of In Silico Studies for Potential Lead Compounds from Holigarna caustica (Dennst.) Oken leaves

“…Researchers believe that herbal medicines are the opulent source of biomolecules, having multifaceted pharmacological targets, and providing a counterpoise novel mechanistic pathway for the treatment of various chronic diseases [46]. In recent times, a number of potent herbal medicines have been documented and approved by the regulatory bodies for the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders [47]. Several well recognized medicinal plants having anxiolytic and/or antidepressant properties, including kava (Piper methysticum) [48], brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) [49], passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) [50], black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) [51], and saffron (Crocus sativus) [52], are compared to the standard pharmaceutical agents [53].…”

Bioactive metabolites of Blumea lacera attenuate anxiety and depression in rodents and computer‐aided model

“…Besides, herbal medicine is turning into a feasible alternative treatment over the financially accessible synthetic drugs on neuropsychiatric management/treatment because of the lower cost, availability, and little or no adverse effects of herbal medicines (Nissen, 2010). Many well‐recognized herbal products have illustrated neuropharmacological properties while mitigating anxiety and depression (Sarwar et al., 2018). Animal behavior tools are inevitable tools for the determination and development of top‐notch anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs.…”