Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory, and Neuropharmacological Potential of <i>Syngonium podophyllum</i> Flower Methanolic Extract: Insights From In Vivo, In Vitro, In Silico, and GC–MS/MS Analysis

Abstract

Syngonium (S.) podophyllum L. is recognized for its diverse applications. This study evaluated the in vivo anti-inflammatory and neuropharmacological properties of its methanolic flower extract (S. podophyllum flower methanolic extract [SPF-ME]) using Swiss albino mice and its in vitro antioxidant capabilities. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through the xylene-induced ear edema method, whereas antioxidant properties were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Analgesic efficacy was tested with the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate methods. Antidepressant effects were examined using the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST), and anxiolytic activity was measured through the elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole board tests. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to identify bioactive compounds, alongside in silico investigations using online tools for pass prediction, ADME/T, and molecular docking. Results showed that SPF-ME exhibited significant antioxidant activity, reduced edema (p < 0.05), and provided a notable analgesic effect (200 mg/kg, p < 0.001). It also demonstrated anxiolytic effects and reduced immobility time in both FST and TST (400 mg/kg, p < 0.001). Molecular docking analysis showed that the compounds in the extract exhibited binding affinities between -1.2 and -10.5 kcal/mol for various human target receptors, including human cytochrome P450 CYP2C9, human cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), COX-2 inhibitors, human monoamine oxidase, and the human serotonin transporter, suggesting potential pharmacological activity. Overall, SPF-ME is a promising natural source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological agents.