Activités biologiques de Papaver rhoeas L. et évaluation de ces effets sur le sommeil

Abstract

Sleep is a vital function, and its disorders represent an increasing health challenge. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the sedative effect of Papaver rhoeas L. as a natural alternative to chemical sedatives. Extraction was performed by maceration using four solvents: methanol, ethanol, chloroform, and water. The phytochemical analyses and biological tests focused on the identification of secondary metabolites, determination of total phenolic content, and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Animal experiments were also carried out, including acute toxicity assessment (oral administration at a dose of 2000 mg/kg) and the forced swim test. The methanolic extract showed the highest yield (16.4%) compared to the ethanolic extract (13.2%), with a high content of phenolic compounds (10.69 mg GAE/g) and a diversity of secondary metabolites (flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, anthocyanins, saponins, quinones, proteins), while tannins were absent. Biologically, the methanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 44.88 ± 5.05 μg/ml in the DPPH test and 24.04 ± 0.03 μg/ml in the ABTS test), surpassing the ethanolic extract. No antibacterial or anti-inflammatory effects were observed. Both extracts showed moderate α- amylase inhibition, suggesting potential antidiabetic effects. No signs of toxicity or mortality were recorded at the tested dose. Finally, the forced swim test showed a significant increase in immobility time in the treated animals, indicating a clear sedative effect.