Mechanistic insights into the anxiolytic effects of Artemisia vulgaris via GABAergic, antioxidant and neurochemical correlation in swiss albino mice

Abstract

Traditionally, Artemisia vulgaris has been used to treat disorders related to stress and anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the underlying neurochemical mechanisms and anxiolytic potential of the methanolic extract of A. vulgaris aerial parts in Swiss albino mice. With diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) serving as the standard, behavioral evaluation was carried out using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Light–Dark Model (LDM) at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg (i.p.). Similar to diazepam, the 600 mg/kg dose markedly increased the amount of time spent in light area (LDM) and open arms (EPM) (p < 0.001). α-cardinol, viridiflorol, germacrene D, and limonene were found to be active constituents with a strong binding affinity toward MAO-A (–6.2 to –6.5 kcal/mol), similar to diazepam (–6.7 kcal/mol), according to molecular docking (AutoDock Vina, PDB 6D6U). The docking is presented as predictive evidence that these compounds may interact with the target and support the in-vivo findings, but not as confirmation of biological effect. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex showed increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase, and GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), while neurochemical tests (HPLC/ELISA) showed increased levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT). According to these results, A. vulgaris reduces oxidative stress, inhibits MAO, and modulates GABAergic transmission to produce anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects. Additional in-vivo and receptor-binding research is necessary because the identified phytocompounds exhibit encouraging potential as natural anxiolytic candidates.