Pharmacological investigation of Acacia Auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth leaves for anxiolytic activity—an in vivo and in silico approach

The study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia auriculiformis (EEAA) and its acetone-enriched fraction (AEAA), using experimental and computational approaches. The ethanolic leaf extract and its bioactive fraction were prepared using the reflux method. Preliminary phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis of EEAA and AEAA were assessed using total phenolics and total flavonoid content, while the anxiolytic activity was evaluated using elevated plus maze, light and dark model, mirror chamber test, and open field test over a 14-day treatment period in Wistar albino rats at doses of 200 mg/Kg and 400 mg/Kg. The phytoconstituents in EEAA and AEAA were analysed using LC–MS analysis, and identified constituents were docked in silico using the GABA_A–Cl⁻ ion channel receptor. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, and triterpenoids. Quantitative analysis revealed that AEAA contained higher levels of total phenolics (174.40 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (141.74 mg QUE/g) than EEAA, with AEAA at 400 mg/Kg exhibiting statistically significant increase in activity (p < 0.05) across all anxiolytic models. Furthermore, LC–MS analysis revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents. The selected phytoconstituents when docked with GABA_A-Cl⁻ ion channel receptor in silico demonstrated strong binding affinities, indicating possible mechanism underlying their anxiolytic action. The findings of the study highlight the promising anxiolytic potential of A. auriculiformis, especially its AEAA fraction at the dose of 400 mg/Kg, and warrant further studies for the isolation, characterization, and mechanistic exploration of its bioactive constituents.