Macaranga peltata Alleviates Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Mouse Model and Computational Study

This study investigated the neuropharmacological and analgesic effects of the methanol extract of Macaranga peltata leaves (MEMPL) in rodents, supported by computational modeling. Phytochemical and GC-MS analyses revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, diterpenes, and other bioactive compounds. MEMPL (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly increased open-arm exploration in the elevated plus maze and reduced head dipping in the hole-board test (p < 0.05), indicating anxiolytic activity. Dose-dependent reductions in locomotor activity in the open-field and hole-cross tests (p < 0.05) suggested central nervous system depressant effects. Although MEMPL reduced immobility in both FST and TST, its effects were notably weaker than fluoxetine, indicating modest antidepressant-like activity. MEMPL also demonstrated significant antinociceptive effects in acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw-licking tests, likely via prostaglandin inhibition. Computational screening identified 2-hydroxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde as a potential bioactive compound with strong binding to proteins involved in anxiety, depression, and nociception. Overall, these findings highlight MEMPL's broad neuropharmacological and analgesic potential, demanding further mechanistic and dose-response studies.