Integrated Phytochemical Characterisation, Pharmacological Evaluation and Computational Investigation of <i>Acampe papillosa</i> Stem Extract.
Acampe papillosa stem extract shows promising pharmacological effects in rodents, but human studies are needed to confirm its potential as a treatment for anxiety, inflammation, and fever.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the lypressin corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the pharmacological effects of methanol extract from the stem of Acampe papillosa in Swiss albino rodents. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg were tested for anxiolytic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Significant effects were observed in all tested outcomes compared to controls.
Abstract
<i>Acampe papillosa</i>, an orchid species traditionally utilised as an herbal medicine, has yet to be extensively researched for its potential pharmacological properties. This study examined the potential for anti-anxiety, sedative, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of methanol extract of the stem of <i>A. papillosa</i> (APSME) through in vivo and in silico approaches. A dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg was administered to Swiss albino rodents. When examined in the elevated plus maze, APSME-treated mice spent significantly longer periods of time in the open arms of the maze at both dosages than control animals (<i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating an anxiolytic effect of APSME. The sedative effects of APSME were assessed by measuring locomotor activity using an open field test and a hole cross test, with both methods showing a significant decrease in locomotion as APSME doses increased from 200 to 400 mg. Following treatment of rodents with carrageenan-induced paw oedema using APSME (400 mg/kg), significant reductions in the thickness of the paw were observed at 4 h post-administration compared to control groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating strong anti-inflammatory activity. Antipyretic effects of APSME were measured using a brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia animal model and were accompanied by statistically significant reductions in rectal temperature at 21 h post-treatment (98.04 ± 0.05°F). Molecular docking and PASS prediction further support these findings by showing favourable interactions between the plant phytochemicals and relevant biological targets. Overall, the results suggest that <i>A. papillosa</i> could be a promising natural source for developing treatments for anxiety, inflammation, fever and related conditions.
Background
Acampe papillosa is an orchid species traditionally used in herbal medicine, but its pharmacological properties have not been extensively studied. This research aims to explore its potential anxiolytic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Understanding these effects could contribute to developing new treatments for anxiety, inflammation, and fever.
Methods
The study used Swiss albino rodents to assess the effects of APSME at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Anxiolytic effects were measured using the elevated plus maze, while sedative effects were evaluated with open field and hole cross tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, and antipyretic effects were measured with a brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model. Molecular docking and PASS prediction were also performed.
Results
APSME-treated mice spent significantly more time in the open arms of the maze at both dosages compared to controls, indicating anxiolytic effects (p < 0.001). Sedative effects were observed as a significant decrease in locomotion with increasing APSME doses. APSME at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced paw thickness at 4 hours post-administration (p < 0.001). Antipyretic effects were demonstrated by a reduction in rectal temperature to 98.04 ± 0.05°F at 21 hours post-treatment. Molecular docking supported these findings with favorable interactions.
Interpretation
The study provides preliminary evidence for the anxiolytic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects of APSME in rodents. While the results are statistically significant, the clinical significance remains uncertain due to the use of animal models and surrogate endpoints. Further research in humans is needed to confirm these findings and assess their clinical relevance.
Key findings
- 200 and 400 mg/kg APSME increased time in open arms of maze, p < 0.001.
- Significant decrease in locomotion with increased APSME dose.
- 400 mg/kg APSME reduced paw thickness at 4 h, p < 0.001.
- Rectal temperature reduced to 98.04 ± 0.05°F at 21 h post-treatment.
- Molecular docking showed favorable interactions with biological targets.
Limitations
- rodent only, no human data
- surrogate endpoints used
- short follow-up period
- single-site study