Anxiolytic/Sedative Effect of Monoterpene (–)-Borneol in Mice and In Silico Molecular Interaction with GABAA Receptor

Anxiety is a normal behavioral component. When it too frequent or appears in inappropriate contexts, can be considered pathological. Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are drugs with clinical success anxiety treatment. BDZs act as allosteric modulators of the γ- aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR). However, these cause adverse effects. Despite therapeutic advances obtained BDZs, search for anxiolytics fewer effects ongoing. Studies monoterpene (–)-borneol [(–)-BOR] demonstrated pharmacological properties such partial agonist effect GABAAR and an anticonvulsive effect. On other hand, no work has been developed evaluating anxiolytic/sedative potential. The objective this study was to investigate (–)-BOR animal models at doses 25, 50, 100 mg/kg (i.p.) whether there molecular interaction GABAAR. anxiolytic tested on Swiss mice (25–30 g) three models: elevated plus maze test, open field light-dark box test. thiopental-induced sleep time model drug screen sedative hypnotic activity related GABAARs. In docking, between molecule performed using AutoDock 4.2.6 program. results that activity. docking revealed interact GABAARs through hydrogen bonds.