Title:An Insight Into the Anxiolytic Effects of Lignans (Phyllanthin and Hypophyllanthin) and Tannin (Corilagin) Rich Extracts of <i>Phyllanthus amarus</i> : An <i>In-Silico</i> and <i>In-vivo</i> approaches
VOLUME: 24 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Atul R. Chopade*, Rahul P. Pol, Pramod A. Patil, Vyankatesh R. Dharanguttikar, Nilofar S. Naikwade, Remeth J. Dias and Suraj N. Mali
Affiliation:Department of Pharmacology, Rajarambapu College of Pharmacy, Kasegaon, 415404, Department of Pharmacology, Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, Sangli -416416, Department of Pharmacology, Rajarambapu College of Pharmacy, Kasegaon, 415404, Department of Pharmacology, Rajarambapu College of Pharmacy, Kasegaon, 415404, Department of Pharmacology, Appasaheb Birnale College of Pharmacy, Sangli -416416, Departement of Pharmacy, Govt. Polytechnic Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Departement of Pharmacy, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Karad, Maharashtra
Keywords:Phyllanthus amarus, anxiety, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, corilagin, lignans.
Abstract:
The extracts and the compounds isolated from Phyllanthus amarus Schumm and Thonn
(Family: Euphorbiaceae) have shown a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including
antiviral, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic,
hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and diurectic properties.
Background: This investigation was aimed at exploring the anxiolytic potential of Phyllanthus
amarus standardized extracts and predict probable role of marker phyto constitutents.
Objective and Methods: Three standardized extracts of Phyllanthus amarus plant viz. standardized
aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus whole plant (PAAE), standardized methanolic extract of P.
amarus leaf (PAME) and the standardized hydro-methanolic extract of P. amarus leaf (PAHME)
were tested in the classical animal models of anxiety: Elevated plus-maze model and Light & Dark
Exploration test.
Results: The lower doses of the tannin rich extract (PAHME) of the P. amarus possess significant
anxiolytic activity compared to lignin rich (PAME) and aqueous extracts (PAAE), while at a
higher dose (400mg/kg) the results of all three extracts appears to be potentially sedative. While
the molecular docking studies support these probable anxiolytic, the sedative effects of the
Phyllanthus amarus extracts could be due to the interaction of tannins and lignans with the GABAbenzodiazepine
receptor complex.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the tannin-rich extract of the P. amarus
may have potential clinical applications in the management of anxiety. It can be further studied for
optimum dosage to be used as a future of anti-anxiety drug development or as a standardized
Phytomedicine.