Integrated Phytochemical Characterisation, Pharmacological Evaluation and Computational Investigation of Acampe papillosa Stem Extract.

Acampe papillosa, an orchid species traditionally utilised as an herbal medicine, has yet to be extensively researched for its potential pharmacological properties. This study examined the potential for anti-anxiety, sedative, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of methanol extract of the stem of A. papillosa (APSME) through in vivo and in silico approaches. A dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg was administered to Swiss albino rodents. When examined in the elevated plus maze, APSME-treated mice spent significantly longer periods of time in the open arms of the maze at both dosages than control animals (p < 0.001), indicating an anxiolytic effect of APSME. The sedative effects of APSME were assessed by measuring locomotor activity using an open field test and a hole cross test, with both methods showing a significant decrease in locomotion as APSME doses increased from 200 to 400 mg. Following treatment of rodents with carrageenan-induced paw oedema using APSME (400 mg/kg), significant reductions in the thickness of the paw were observed at 4 h post-administration compared to control groups (p < 0.001), indicating strong anti-inflammatory activity. Antipyretic effects of APSME were measured using a brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia animal model and were accompanied by statistically significant reductions in rectal temperature at 21 h post-treatment (98.04 ± 0.05°F). Molecular docking and PASS prediction further support these findings by showing favourable interactions between the plant phytochemicals and relevant biological targets. Overall, the results suggest that A. papillosa could be a promising natural source for developing treatments for anxiety, inflammation, fever and related conditions.