Efeito do extrato de Hypericum perforatum administrado durante a gestação sobre as atividades antinociceptiva e anticonvulsivante em ratas (F1) adultas

Abstract

Hypericum perforatum (HP) is a classically used species as an antidepressant and anxiolytic herbal remedy. Its different compounds (hypericin and hyperforin) provide many other effects, such as: antinociceptive and anticonvulsive. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the passage of the hydroalcoholic extract of H. perforatum through placental and fetal blood-brain barrier and the probable antinociceptive, anticonvulsive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on offspring as they reach adulthood. Wistar rats received oral doses of 36, 72 and 144 mg/kg of HP throughout gestation. The observed fluorescence indicated the presence of the extract in all tissues analyzed from both pregnant rats and fetuses. Tests for evaluation of antinociceptive and anticonvulsant activity of HP extract were performed on adult F1 rats, which showed an increase in both responses. Tests for evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of HP extract were performed on adult F1 rats, also resulting in an increase in these effects. These results suggest that the administration of HP during gestation caused changes in the neurodevelopment of brain regions related to the control of pain, seizure, anxiety and depression in their offspring.