Fruits of Crataegus submollis: study of pharmacological activity of the preparations

Objectives – to perform a comparative study of the antidepressant action and diuretic activity of liquid extract and decoction of the fruits of Crataegus submollis Sarg.

Material and methods. The study of the antidepressant activity was performed using the behavioral despair test. The diuretic activity of the liquid extract and decoction from the Crataegus submollis fruits at a dose of 100 μl/kg was evaluated in long-term experiments.

Results. The study revealed the impact of the liquid extract of Crataegus submollis fruits, at a dose of 100 μl/kg, on the motion activity of animals: it increased by 45% if compared to the water-alcohol control group, and equivalent to comparator amitriptyline at a threshold dose of 5 mg/kg. While the diuretic activity of the the liquid extract was not registered. At the same time, the decoction of the fruits of Crataegus submollis, at a dose of 100 µl/kg, did not show antidepressant properties, when compared to water control. It was found that animals from the experimental group relative to water control had a statistically significant increase in renal excretion of water, sodium, potassium and creatinine, equivalent to comparators – furosemide at a threshold dose of 1 mg/kg (4 hours experiment), and hydrochlorothiazide at a mean therapeutic dose of 20 mg/kg (24 hours experiment).

Conclusion. The liquid extract from fruits of Crataegus submollis at a dose of 100 μl/kg showed an antidepressant effect, comparable to the effect of amitriptyline at a dose of 5 mg/kg. An expressed stimulating activity on the kidneys excretory function during the 4 and 24 hours of the experiment is characteristic of the decoction from fruits of Crataegus submollis at a dose of 100 μl/kg. The fruits of Crataegus submollis Sarg. are promising medicinal plant raw materials.