Introduction: Anxiety and depression are becoming more prevalent in teenagers and often continue into adulthood, and thus, there is a need to develop safer and more effective treatments. Buxus sempervirens produces the steroidal alkaloid cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D), which has been proven to have promising neuropharmacological characteristics. This study's objective was to optimize the extraction and characterization of CVB-D and assess its potential antidepressant and anxiolytic activity in a scopolamine-induced rat model of adolescent neuropsychiatric disorder. materials and methods: Methanolic extracts of Buxus sempervirens leaves were subjected to phytochemical screening, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and isolate CVB-D using acid-base extraction techniques. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal control, scopolamine control, standard drug (diazepam), and CVB-D-treated groups. Behavioral models used included the Forced Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Open Field Test (OFT). Neurochemical parameters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. Methods: Leaves of Buxus sempervirens were subjected to Phytochemical screening, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis. CVB-D was obtained through Acid-Base Extraction. Wistar male rats have been divided into control, standard (diazepam), and CVB-D treatment groups. Behavioral studies were conducted using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field Test (OFT), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Forced Swim Test (FST). The neurochemical studies included the estimation of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, BDNF, and oxidative stress markers. results: CVB-D treatment significantly improved behavioral outcomes associated with anxiety and depression. It elevated levels of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and BDNF, while also reducing oxidative stress markers when compared to the scopolamine group. Results: Cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D) significantly improved depression and anxiety-like symptoms, increased levels of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and BDNF, and decreased oxidative stress markers. It was comparable to the standard action cluster treated with diazepam. discussion: The observed effects suggest that CVB-D exerts both antidepressant and anxiolytic activities, likely mediated through modulation of neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and oxidative pathways. Its efficacy was comparable to diazepam, without known synthetic drug liabilities. Discussion: The findings support CVB-D’s therapeutic potential in modulating neurochemical and behavioral parameters relevant to adolescent depression and anxiety. Its efficacy and natural origin suggest a safer profile for long-term use in neuropsychiatric conditions. conclusion: CVB-D may serve as a promising, plant-based therapeutic candidate for managing adolescent mood disorders, offering efficacy with a potentially safer profile. Conclusion: Cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D) is a promising plant-based drug candidate for the treatment of mood disorders in adolescents, and it certainly deserves further research and development.
Bhardwaj et al. (Mon,) studied this question.