Central Nervous System depressant outcome of Artemisia monosperma Delile ethanolic extract in male rats via modulating GABAergic pathway: Phytochemical analysis

This current study aimed to examine the depressive outcome of Artemisia monosperma Delile ethanolic extract (ARM-EE) on the central nervous system (CNS) of male rats. Screening phytochemicals was done using GC˗MS and HPLC analysis. The study included four equal groups (n = 10): 1st Control, 2nd Diazepam (DIZ 1 mg/kg B.wt.), 3rd ARM high group (ARM-H 800 mg/kg B.wt.), and 4th ARM low group (ARM-L 400 mg/kg B.wt). Dosing was orally and daily for 21 days. The acute oral LD ₅₀ was valued to be more than 2 g/kg. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of vanillin, syringic acid, naringenin, coffeic acid, rutin, gallic acid, and querectin. Administration of ARM-EE extract significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the hole crosses and fall-off time in the rotarod test. In the open field test, ARM-EE significantly (p < 0.001) decreased locomotor and exploratory behaviors. ARM-EE administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5˗HT) levels. ARM-EE administration significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated the brain mRNA expression levels of GABA type a receptor-associated protein ( Gabarap ) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ), meanwhile, expression levels of monoamine oxidase A ( Maoa ) was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated. The results of the ongoing research suggest for the first time that the A. monosperma ethanolic extract owns CNS depressant and antioxidative outcomes in a murine model. The CNS-depressive properties of the ARM-EE could be attributable to its phytochemical components. Further toxicological studies are required for the semi-purified phytochemical components of the ARM plant.