Central nervous system depressant outcomes of Artemisia monosperma Delile on male rat brain: Phytochemical analysis

The current study aimed to examine the neurobehavioral activity of Artemisia monosperma Delile (ARM) ethanolic extract in adult male rats. Phytochemicals was screened using GC˗MS and HPLC analysis. ARM’s acute oral toxicity was determined. The study included four equal groups (n=12): the 1 ^st Control, the 2 ^nd Diazepam (DIZ), the 3 ^rd ARM-high group (ARM-H), and the 4 ^th ARM-low group (ARM-L). The ARM extract effect on the CNS activity was evaluated via behavioral tests, brain neurotransmitters and GABA _A receptors ( GABARAP) . HPLC analysis revealed the presence of coffeic acid, rutin, gallic acid, and querectin. In the open field test (OFT), ARM significantly (p < 0.001) decreased immobility time and line crossings. ARM significantly (p < 0.05) increased the brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). ARM significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated the brain mRNA expression levels of GABARAP and BDNF , meanwhile, MAOA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated. For the first time, A. monosperma ethanolic extract might keep CNS depressant and antioxidative effects which could be attributable to its phytochemicals. Further toxicological and pharmacological studies are required for the semi-purified phytochemicals.