Neurobehavioral and toxicological effects of an aqueous extract ofTurnera diffusaWilld (Turneraceae)in mice

Aims:To explore the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of an aqueous extract ofTurnera diffusaWilld (Turneraceae)and to explore its possible toxic side effects on behavior, target organ function, and spermatic quality. Materials and methods:Acute effects of aT. diffusaaqueous extract were evaluated in adult male mice with the plus-maze, forced swimming and open field tests to identify the possible anxiolytic, antidepressant and stimulant effects of this extract. Effects ofT. diffusaaqueous extract were further investigated through two approaches. a)Male and female adult mice receiving a 28-day treatment were evaluated in a neurobehavioral test battery; later, changes in their biochemical parameters and in target organ morphology were analyzed. b)In young adult (16-weeks old)and mature (46-weeks old)males, spermatic quality and testes morphology during a complete spermatogenesis cycle were analyzed after a 35-day treatment. Results: T. diffusaaqueous extract induced remarkable anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects without affecting locomotor activity. This extract did not elicit behavioral signs of neural side effects, a sex-dependent reduction in body weight gain was produced without affecting functional parameters or the morphology of target organs. The highest dose improved cellular turnover in the testes of mature mice. Conclusion: T. diffusaaqueous extract induced a clear anxiolytic-like effect, and for the first time, we reported an antidepressant effect. Clinical potential or even intake ofT. diffusain the context of traditional medicine can be supported by its efficacy to positively modulate behavior and its safety for a wide range of doses.