PRE-CLINICAL NEUROPHARMACOLOGY EFFICACY AND TOXICITY OF AVENIA SATIVAUM IN RATS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2026v19i2.56697Keywords:
Avena sativa L., Antidepressant, Forced Swimming Test, TSTAbstract
Objective: The present study investigates the neuropharmacological potential of methanolic and ethanolic leaf extracts of Avena sativa L. in experimental models of depression.
Methods: Acute toxicity evaluation revealed no mortality, morbidity, or behavioral abnormalities following a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg, confirming the safety of both extracts. Based on this, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses were selected for behavioral assessment. Antidepressant-like activity was evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST).
Result: Rats treated with methanolic extract at 100 mg/kg (arteriovenous methanolic [AVM]-100) exhibited significantly reduced immobility times in both FST (46.2 s) and TST (50.7 s), closely approximating the standard drug (39.6 s and 43.0 s, respectively,**p<0.001). Higher doses (AVM- 200) and ethanolic extracts (arteriovenous ethanolic [AVE]-100 and AVE-200) showed moderate reductions, suggesting a non-linear dose-response relationship. Locomotor activity analysis further supported the antidepressant profile of AVM-100, which showed the highest count (680) without signs of hyperactivity, indicating reversal of psychomotor retardation. The observed effects are likely mediated by neuroactive phytochemicals, such as avenanthramides and flavonoids, known to modulate neurotransmitter systems and stress-response pathways.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings highlight the therapeutic promise of A. sativa methanolic extract, particularly at 100 mg/kg, as a safe and effective plant-based candidate for managing depressive disorders.
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