Evaluation of phytoconstituents of hygrophila auriculata as sedatives and hypnotics: in-vivo and in silico studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902025e24582Keywords:
Hygrophila auriculata, Sedative-hypnotic, In-vivo study, Molecular docking, Diazepam, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometryAbstract
The study explores the potential of Hygrophila auriculata, also known as “Ikshugandha” in Ayurvedic literature, to alleviate insomnia by extracting phytoconstituents and investigating its in-vivo sedativehypnotic activity. GC-MS analysis of seed and leaf extracts revealed the presence of phytoconstituents like β-stigmasterol, lupeol, and gamma-sitosterol. The receptor alpha1-beta2-gamma2 subtype in combination with GABA and diazepam was selected for the docking investigation. The highest docking scores were -9.46 Kcal/mol for stigmasterol and -9.40 Kcal/mol for lupeol. The in-vivo sedative-hypnotic activity was assessed using the Hole cross test, Hole board test, open field test, and the thiopental-induced sleeping duration test. The oral administration of ethyl acetate subextract and unsaponifiable fraction resulted in a significant reduction in the number of holes traversed and dips and a similar reaction for the open field test. In the thiopental-induced sleeping test, the hydroalcoholic extract, ethyl acetate subextract, and unsaponifiable fraction were observed to improve sleep time compared to the control group. The substance was considered safe up to 400 mg/kg for leaf extract and 200 mg for seed extract. These findings suggest the plant is a promising candidate for future pharmacological studies.
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