Drug interactions between the ethanolic extract of Maytenus macrocarpa “chuchuhuasi” bark and antidepressants in albino mice

Huaccho-Rojas J.J.; Salazar Granara A. · Horizonte Medico (2025) · DOI: 10.24265/horizmed.2025.v25n4.07

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the potential drug interactions between the ethanolic extract of Maytenus macrocarpa “chuchuhuasi” bark and two commonly used antidepressants, fluoxetine and amitriptyline, in an experimental model using male albino mice. Materials and methods: Twenty-one experimental groups of male albino mice, randomly assigned and weighing approximately 30 g, were used. Different doses of fluoxetine (20 and 40 mg/kg), amitriptyline (10 and 15 mg/kg), and ethanolic extract of M. macrocarpa bark (500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg) were administered. Additionally, groups combining the extract and antidepressants were formed, along with blank and placebo control groups. Neuropharmacological activity was assessed through the forced swim test to evaluate depression-related behavior and the Irwin test to record overall behavioral and neurological effects. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for normally distributed variables, the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s post hoc test for non-parametric variables, and Fisher’s exact test for qualitative data from the Irwin test. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the experimental groups. In the forced swim test, an antagonistic effect was detected when combining 500 mg/kg of the extract and either antidepressant. Conversely, at 1000 mg/kg of the extract, a synergistic effect was observed with fluoxetine 20 mg/kg and amitriptyline 10 mg/kg. The Irwin test revealed significant differences in parameters such as sedation, excitation, gait abnormalities, abdominal contractions, piloerection, and stereotyped behaviors, confirming interactions between the tested compounds. Conclusions: These findings provide relevant preliminary data on pharmacological interactions between the ethanolic extract of M. macrocarpa and the evaluated antidepressants, contributing valuable information to experimental pharmacology. Nevertheless, further studies including biochemical analyses are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms involved and validate these results within a clinical context.

Instituciones: Universidad de San Martín de Porres