Participation of GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex in the anxiolytic effect of Passiflora alata Curtis (Passifloraceae)

摘要: SUMMARY. Passiflora alata Curtis is used in Brazilian folk medicine and also by pharmaceutical industry due to its tranquilizing properties. In this work, the central activity of an aqueous (AQ) hydroethanolic (HE) leaves extracts were evaluated elevated plus maze, barbiturate sleeping time, open field [3H]flunitrazepam binding assays. The only effect presented AQ (300 mg/kg, p.o.) was on indicating a hypnotic effect. HE extract 600 increased time reduced locomotor (at p.o.), pointing sedative addition showed anxiolytic-like maze test which blocked flumazenil (6 i.p.). Nevertheless did not displace rat brain synaptosomes concentrations up 1000 μg/mL. As conclusion, we that anxiolytic P. mice depends dose solvent for preparation, cannot be attributed direct activation benzodiazepine site chemical constituents extract. It possible their metabolites or indirect benzodiazepineGABAA receptor complex mediate observed