2025-09-222026-03-272025-09-2220160378-874110.1016/j.jep.2016.01.040https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.040https://repositorio.inprf.gob.mx/handle/123456789/8417Ethnopharmacological relevance: Morelos State is one of the most important regions of Mexico where several plant species are used in traditional medicine to influence central nervous system (CNS) activity; for example Tagetes lucida Cav. Aim of the study: To investigate the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the tranquilizing properties of T. lucida aerial parts. Material and methods: Data on the medicinal uses of T. lucida were explored by interviewing healers and merchants of local markets in different regions of Morelos State by using a questionnaire. Anxiolytic and/or sedative-like responses of the T. lucida were investigated in experimental models in mice such as: open-field, exploration cylinder, hole-board, plus-maze, and the barbituric-induced hypnosis potentiation. The possible mechanism of action was explored in the presence of WAY100635 (0.32mg/kg, i.p.) and flumazenil (10mg/kg, i.p.) antagonists. A feasible active compound was isolated and identified by using conventional chromatography, including UHPLC and MS (DART) [M+H]+ techniques. Results: Interviews of healers and merchants from ten local regions of Morelos State showed that they recommended T. lucida as infusion and as tincture for several culture-bound syndromes associated with the CNS. Anxiolytic and sedative-like activities of polar extracts were corroborated in the experimental models; these effects were inhibited in the presence of 5-HT1A and GABA/BDZ receptor antagonists. Dimethylfraxetin was identified as one possible active compound. Conclusions: The results support the anxiolytic and sedative-like properties of T. lucida in traditional medicine by involving serotonergic and GABAergic neurotransmission and coumarinic constituents.PDFengAcceso CerradoArtículo1872-7573Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente MuñizIrlandaAnxietyCentral nervoussystemCoumarinsEthnobotanySedativeTageteslucida