Metabolite profile of Passiflora mollisima leaf using UHPLC-ESI-MS and its potential anxiolytic activity in mice

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, extracts of Passiflora mollisima leaves are used as anxiolytics, but the existing metabolites are unknown. Objectives: To identify by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS some of the metabolites and the anxiolytic activity of the leaf extract. Materials and Methods: The extract was subject to UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis and administered intraperitoneally (VIP) to 4 groups of mice: G1: white group 0.1mL of saline solution, G2: positive control group 1mg Kg¯¹ of diazepam and to treatment groups, namely, G3 50 mg Kg¯¹ and G4 100 mg Kg¯¹ and anxiety levels were evaluated with the light/dark transition test for mice. Results: Six flavone C-glycosides were tentatively identified, namely vicenin 2, lucenin 2, schaftoside, orientin, vitexin, and glucopyranosyl methyl luteolin. Lower levels of anxiety were observed in animals of groups G3 and G4 based on the number of transitions, with a mean of 11±2 and 21±2, respectively, compared to G1, which was 2±1 (p<0.05). The groups displayed a significant difference among them (p<0.05). There was an increase in the total time spent in darkness in G3 and G4 Passiflora-treated mice with a mean of 70±8 and 113±8 respectively, compared to G1, which was 8±1 with a p<0.05. Conclusion: The metabolites identified have biological activities, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. The results of the effects of the 50mg Kg¯¹ and 100 mg Kg¯¹ doses of ethanolic extract of Passiflora mollisima leaves significantly decreased anxiety levels (p<0.05). This information contributes towards its further use in a therapeutic, clinical setting.