Antidepressant-like and Anticonvulsant Effects of a Phenolic-Enriched Fraction from Malpighia mexicana in Murine Models

Malpighia mexicana has been traditionally used in Mexican ethnomedicine for the treatment of central nervous systems disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated neuropharmacological activity of crude extracts, but the contribution of enriched phytochemical fractions remains unclear. A phenolic-enriched fraction (G4) obtained from the aerial parts of M. mexicana was evaluated for antidepressant-like and anticonvulsant activities in mice. Antidepressant-like effects were assessed using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), while locomotor activity was evaluated in the open field test. Anticonvulsant activity was determined using the pentylentetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model. The phytochemical profile of G4 was characterized by HPLC-DAD analysis. G4 (50 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced immobility time in both FST and TST compared to the vehicle group (p < 0.05) without affecting locomotor activity in the OFT, suggesting a specific antidepressant-like effect. In the PTZ model, G4 significantly increased latency to clonic and tonic seizures and reduced seizure severity. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, with kaempferol and p-coumaric acid as major constituents. The phenolic-enriched G4 fraction from M. mexicana exhibits antidepressant-like and anticonvulsant effects in murine models, supporting its traditional use. These findings suggest that phenolic constituents, particularly kaempferol and p-coumaric acid, may contribute to the observed neuropharmacological activity. However, since only the G4 fraction was pharmacologically evaluated and not the isolated compounds, the specific role of each constituent remains to be established. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and the contribution of individual compounds and potential synergistic interactions.