Title:Evaluation of Anti-Depressant Potential of Standardized Hydroethanolic Extract of S. barbata D. Don Using Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model
Volume: 5
Author(s): Arzoo Pannu*Ramesh K. Goyal
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, Delhi, 110017, India
Keywords:
Depression, Scutellaria barbata d. don, traditional chinese medicine, flavonoids, anti-oxidant, anti-depressant.
Abstract:
Background: S. barbata D. Don is a Chinese herb, that belongs to the family Lamiaceae.
It has established traditional use in ethnomedicine for treating various ailments, including
mood disorders and sleep disorders, which led to growing interest in exploring its neurological
potential, particularly as a potential anti-depressant agent.
Aims: This study explores the anti-depressant potential of the HSBE utilizing a Chronic Unpredictable
Mild Stress-induced depression model in mice. Additionally, the research aims to
elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.
Methods: Swiss albino mice were subjected to a 3-week CUMS paradigm and subsequently
administered HSBE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg via oral administration. The behavioral
alterations were evaluated using the FST, TST, OFT, and SPT. Brain levels of serotonin, dopamine,
and nor-epinephrine were estimated in different brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, and
hypothalamus) to uncover the molecular mechanism. Additionally, assays for monoamine oxidase-
A, monoamine oxidase-B, and antioxidant enzyme activities were conducted. Plasma nitrite
and corticosterone levels were also measured to get further insight into potential mechanisms
underlying the anti-depressant effects of HSBE.
Results: HSBE significantly ameliorated depressive-like behavior induced by CUMS paradigm,
as evidenced by reduced immobility in FST and TST, increased locomotor activity in
OFT, and improved sucrose preference in SPT. Neurochemical analysis revealed a significant
increase in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the cortex, hippocampus, and
hypothalamus of HSBE-treated mice, implying a potential regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter
levels. Moreover, biochemical analyses demonstrated a significant inhibition of
both MAO-A and MAO-B activity, contributing to the increase of the brain levels of neurotransmitters.
The administration of HSBE also led to a significant enhancement of antioxidant
enzyme activities and reduced brain lipid peroxidation, indicating a pronounced antioxidant
effect of HSBE. Furthermore, decreased plasma nitrite and corticosterone levels provided additional
insights into HSBE's potential multi-targeted anti-depressant mechanism.
Conclusion: This study indicates that HSBE exhibits robust anti-depressant properties, supported
by behavioral, neurochemical, and biochemical alterations. These findings underscore
the therapeutic promise of HSBE as a natural intervention for depressive disorders, warranting
further clinical exploration.
