Preclinical studies of anxiolytic and anti-depressant-like activities of Erythrina sp. plant extract: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Context: Erythrina (Fabaceae) has been identified throughout the World's tropical and subtropical areas. Recent studies have shown that this species has probable anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects. Aims: To evaluate Erythrina sp. extract administration as anxiolytic and anti-depressant-like effects in animal models. Methods: Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus and were searched from inception until 30 March 2024. Based on the PRISMA 2020 statement criteria were performed. Eleven studies were included for review, and six studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Results: The meta-analysis showed the Erythrina sp. extract showed a significant reduction in anxiety in elevated plus maze (EPM) with standardized mean differences (SMDs) = 4.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.99–6.79; z = 5.05; p<0.0001) for time spent open arm % (TSOA%) or the number of TSOA and open field test (OFT) with SMDs of 2.71 (95% CI, 1.26–4.15; z = 3.68; p=0.0002) for crossing; SMDs of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.11–1.53; z = 2.25; p=0.02) for rearing. Out of the 58 behavioral assessment groups that were tested using EPM, up to 28 groups showed an increase in the percentage of open arm entries (OAE) or OAE number and TSOA groups. In the OFT, 11 out of 22 intervention groups demonstrated improvements in crossing and rearing numbers. Conclusions: Several behavioral tests demonstrated a notable enhancement in anxiolytic and anti-depressant-like effects after the administration of Erythrina sp. extracts. While the interpretation of these data is limited, they indicate that Erythrina sp. extract could potentially provide a treatment for anxiety and depression.