Abstract
Jatropha gossypifolia L., a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments. However, its neuropharmacological, cytotoxic, and anthelmintic potentials have not been thoroughly investigated. The methanolic fruit extract of J. gossypifolia (JGF-ME) was evaluated for anxiolytic activity using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Hole Board Test (HBT), and Light-Dark Box Test (LDT); antidepressant activity using the Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST); and sedative effects through the Open Field and Hole Cross tests. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA), and anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Pheretima posthuma. GC-MS was used for phytochemical screening, followed by molecular docking and ADME/T analyses of the identified compounds. JGF-ME exhibited a significant, dose-dependent anxiolytic effect in EPM, HBT, and LDT. At 400 mg/kg, it significantly reduced immobility in FST and TST (p < 0.001), indicating significant antidepressant activity. The extract also exhibited notable sedative effects, as evidenced by reduced locomotor activity in the Open Field and Hole Cross tests at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. In BSLA, JGF-ME displayed moderate cytotoxicity (LC(50) = 327.87 μg/mL) compared to colchicine (LC(50) = 38.81 μg/mL). It also produced a dose-dependent anthelmintic effect by paralyzing and killing P. posthuma. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities of the identified compounds to selected human receptors, and in silico analysis suggested acceptable drug-likeness; experimental validation is needed. The study confirms the neuropharmacological, cytotoxic, and anthelmintic potential of J. gossypifolia extract, supporting its traditional use and therapeutic promise.