Evaluation of the Anxiolytic and Anticonvulsant Effect of <i>Marlierea eugeniopsoides</i> Essential Oils and Its Majority Constituents in Adult Zebrafish

Benzodiazepines are medications used to treat anxiety and epilepsy disorders. However, because of the existing adverse effects, new and safer medications are being sought. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions of the essential oil of Marlierea eugeniopsoides and its majority constituents α-pinene and β-pinene. The toxicity was analyzed, and the anxiolytic behavior of fish treated with the oil was assessed in light/dark tests and open field tests (n = 6 animals/group). In the test to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of the sample, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was used to induce seizures through immersion. Subsequently, the mechanism of action was investigated with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, and molecular docking and ADMET study was conducted. The study revealed that M. eugeniopsoides oil (spring and summer) was nontoxic and influenced zebrafish locomotion at all doses. Spring oil had anxiolytic effects at all doses, while summer oil showed this only at the highest dose. Both oils affected GABA, with spring oil displaying anticonvulsant properties, unlike summer oil, suggesting a seasonal influence on oil behavior. Molecular docking indicated that inhibitors and ligands interacted beneficially, with α-pinene demonstrating superior inhibition and cellular permeability.