Evaluation of antioxidant, toxicological and anxiolytic-like effect of ethanolic extracts of Ziziphus cotinifolia Reissek in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Background: The GABAergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission pathways are involved in the control of anxiety and ensure emotional balance. Some plant species have substances with anxiolytic activity, a therapeutic effect associated with the presence of phenolic compounds. Methods: Before assessing the existence of anxiolytic activity, ethanolic extracts from leaves, branches and roots of Ziziphus cotinifolia Reissek were evaluated regarding biological activity and absence of toxicity. Later the influences of the samples on locomotor and anxiolytic activity, anxiolytic pathways and probable mechanisms of neurotransmission were evaluated. Results: The EEtFJ extract (0.5 mg/mL) did not have its anxiolytic activity reversed by the GABAergic receptor antagonist (Fmz + EEtFJ = EEjFJ; p<0.05). The twig extracts and flumazenil only partially reduced the time spent in the light zone (Fmz + EEtGJ < + EEtGJ; p<0.05), the root extract was not reversed by flumazenil (Fmz + EEtFRJ = EEtFRJ). Conclusion: The initial analysis data reveal the presence of phenolic compounds that explain the biological activities found and, as they act on different targets of neurotransmission systems involved in the control of anxiety disorders, they have potential for the production of herbal medicines with synergistic action.