Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Soják: Chemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, Psychopharmacological Exploration and Analgesic Activity.

Schoenoplectus californicus, a macrophyte from Peruvian marine-coastal wetlands, is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, yet its pharmacological potential remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the chemical profile, antioxidant capacity, psychopharmacological effects, and analgesic activity of a hydroethanolic extract from its rhizomes. Phytochemical screening and LC-MS/MS analyses were performed to characterize secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, while in vivo anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic effects were evaluated in Balb/c mice through open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod, analgesimeter, tail-flick, and hot plate tests, with diazepam and tramadol as reference drugs. In silico PASS and BOILED-Egg analyses were used to predict pharmacological mechanisms and central nervous system permeability. The extract contained flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and stilbenes and exhibited notable antioxidant activity (IC50: 0.7319 mg/mL for DPPH and 0.6207 mg/mL for ABTS). Anxiolytic effects were observed at 50 mg/kg, sedative effects at 200 mg/kg, and significant analgesic activity at 50 mg/kg. Several compounds were predicted to cross the blood-brain barrier, with inhibition of GABA aminotransferase suggested as a potential mechanism. Acute toxicity was detected (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg). These findings support S. californicus as a promising source of neuroactive and analgesic compounds, although further mechanistic and dose-optimization studies are required.