Unveiling the neuroprotective potential of Jatropha humboldtiana leaves and its metabolic profiling by UPLC-MS/MS

This study aims to determine the phytochemical profile of Jatropha humboldtiana ethyl acetate fraction (EAFHJ) using UPLC-MS/MS and evaluate its neuroprotective potential via in vivo model. In vivo behavioral assays including elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test, and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) assay were conducted in mice to evaluate the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant effects. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured, and acute toxicity studies were performed to determine LD50. Thirty-three compounds were identified in EAFHJ, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins. In the FST, EAFHJ reduced the immobility time to 131.50 ± 3.46 s at 100 mg/kg compared to 139.88 ± 4.58 s in the control group (p < 0.01). In the EPM, the group treated with 200 mg/kg of EAFJH spent 48.14% of the time in the open arms, compared to 31.30% of the control group (p < 0.05). In the PTZ trial, the latency to myoclonic seizures was 3.0 ± 0.5 min at 200 mg/kg of EAFHJ compared with 1.01 ± 0.5 min in the control group (p < 0.05). The LD50 of the EAFJH was greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity. Furthermore, a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-4) were observed. Thus, it was concluded that Jatropha humboldtiana exhibits a diverse phytochemical profile and promising anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant effects, likely mediated by a combination of neurotransmitter modulation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise molecular pathways involved and explore its clinical potential.