Antihistaminic and antiallergic actions of extracts of Solanum nigrum berries: Possible role in the treatment of asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Berries of the plant Solanum nigrum Linn (Solanaceae) are used for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine and ancient books.

Aim of study

To evaluate potential of the plant berries in the treatment of asthma.

Materials and methods

Petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of S. nigrum berries (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) were screened for the treatment of asthma by the various methods viz. effect on clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy, milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia, mast cell stabilizing activity in mice and studies on smooth muscle preparation of guinea pig ileum (in vitro). Active petroleum ether extract was standardized by HPTLC.

Results

The petroleum ether extract of S. nigrum berries inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy significantly but not haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Petroleum ether extract significantly inhibited increased leukocyte and eosinophil count due to milk allergen and showed maximum protection against mast cell degranulation by clonidine. Petroleum ether extract resisted contraction induced by histamine better than other extracts. All the results are dose dependant. Active petroleum ether extract showed presence of antiasthmatic compound, β-sitosterol.

Conclusion

The petroleum ether extract of S. nigrum berries can inhibits parameters linked to the asthma disease.     

n-Butanol soluble fraction of the water extract of Chinese toon fruit ameliorated focal brain ischemic insult in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation

Aim of the study

Toona sinensis Roem. (Meliaceae; Toona sinensis; Chinese toon) is a type of arbor that is widely distributed in Asia. The fruits of Toona sinensis Roem has been traditionally recognized for treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. To evaluate the potential clinical use of the fruits of Toona sinensis Roem, we determined the dose dependence of the neuroprotective efficacy in a focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion model of rats and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Rats were subjected to occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) by a nylon filament and treated with different doses (20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) of n-butanol soluble fraction of the water extract of Chinese toon fruit or the vehicle for 1 week before induction of ischemia, s.i.d..

Results

n-Butanol soluble fraction of the water extract of Chinese toon fruit reduced in a dose-dependent manner the ischemia-induced cerebral infarct and edema volume and attenuated neurological deficits observed at 6 h point after ischemia. n-Butanol soluble fraction of the water extract of Chinese toon fruit reduced the levels of nitrate, nitrite, lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase-1, thromboxane in post-ischemic brain. n-Butanol soluble fraction of the water extract of Chinese toon fruit adjusted the elevation of the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in ischemic brain.

Conclusions

The present study was the first evidence of effectiveness of n-butanol soluble fraction of the water extract of Chinese toon fruit in the rat stroke models, as it reduced infarct volume, inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammation.     

基于均匀设计的藜芦与细辛配伍毒性研究

藜芦与细辛同用,是"十八反"配伍禁忌之一。本实验采用均匀设计结合动物急性毒性实验,以动物死亡数为观测指标,探讨藜芦与细辛配伍的毒性规律。结果显示配伍后的毒性产生于藜芦和细辛的共同作用,且藜芦对配伍毒性的贡献所占权重更大,但配伍后毒性并未随藜芦用量的增加呈绝对上升趋势。     

Effects of Piper nigrum L. on epileptiform activity in cortical wedges prepared from DBA/2 mice

This study investigated the effect of a water extract of Piper nigrum L. on spontaneous depolarizations, accompanying afterpotentials and N -methyl-D -aspartate (NMDA)-induced depolarizations in cortical wedges prepared from genetically epilepsy-prone DBA/2 mice. Solutions of P. nigrum extract (0.5S, 1S and 2S) were administered when spontaneous depolarizations were well established in magnesium-free perfusing medium. The 2S extract produced a significant reduction in the number of spontaneous depolarizations (p <0.001) whilst the number of afterpotentials per burst was suppressed significantly by 1S and 2S (p <0.05 and p <0.01, respectively). P. nigrum also decreased the amplitude of NMDA-induced depolarizations (p <0.001). The present results suggest that an antagonistic action at NMDA receptors might contribute to the anticonvulsant properties of P. nigrum. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis trigonus Roxb. in streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cucumis trigonus Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) fruit is used in the Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Based on a number of reports on the blood glucose level reduction and the other complications of diabetes associated with some Cucurbitaceae plants, the antidiabetic effect of Cucumis trigonus fruit was investigated.

Aim of the study

To investigate the antidiabetic action of the aqueous extract of Cucumis trigonus fruits in the different models of rats.

Materials and methods

The antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Cucumis trigonus fruit was evaluated by using normal and streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats. The acute effect of aqueous extract was evaluated by administering 500 mg/kg p.o. to normoglycemic rats. In the chronic model, the aqueous extract was administered to normal and STZ-induced-diabetic rats at dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. per day for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights were monitored at specific intervals and different biochemical parameters were also carried out.

Results

The statistical data indicated the significant increase in the body weight, liver glycogen and serum insulin level and decrease in the blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides. HDL cholesterol level was significantly increased when treated with the extract.

Conclusion

The aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis trigonus has had beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level and lipid profile of STZ-induced-diabetic rats.     

澳洲茄边碱提取纯化工艺及其抗肿瘤作用的研究

目的:从龙葵中提取纯化澳洲茄边碱,并探讨其抗肿瘤活性.方法:龙葵药材粗粉80％乙醇回流提取,以硅胶柱色谱和重结晶的方法纯化澳洲茄边碱,最后鉴定结构和检查纯度;MTT法筛选澳洲茄边碱对人肿瘤细胞的体外生长抑制作用,并研究其对肝癌H22和EAC小鼠移植瘤的作用.结果:澳洲茄边碱含量达到97.9％;体外对6种肿瘤细胞均具有明显抑制作用,并且在2.4 mg· kg-1的给药剂量下对肝癌H22和EAC小鼠移植瘤具有明显的抑制作用.结论:澳洲茄边碱具有较好的抗肿瘤效果.     

In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Methanol and Aqueous Extract of Annona squamosa (L.) Fruit Pulp

The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity of the fruit of Annona squamosa by means of in vitro studies involving two different solvent extracts: methanol and aqueous. The antioxidant properties of the extract were determined by scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion (O₂^?), hydroxyl radical (OH^?), reducing power and total antioxidant. The results showed that, compared to aqueous extract, a methanolic fruit extract of A squamosa has a higher percentage of inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity (97.99%), LPO (94.15%), NO scavenging activity (70.96%), O₂^? scavenging activity and OH^? scavenging activity (78.68% and 85.25%, respectively), total antioxidant activity (206 μg α-tocopherol/g) and reducing power (56.0 μg of ascorbic acid/g). The results obtained in the in vitro models clearly suggest that methanol extract has higher antioxidant activity than the aqueous extract due to a higher presence of phenolic and flavonodal constituents in the methanol extract.     

Aphrodisiac properties of Allium tuberosum seeds extract

Aim of the study

In the present study, we examined the effect of Allium tuberosum seeds extract upon the expression of male rat sexual behavior, in order to know whether Allium tuberosum seeds extract possess aphrodisiac property.

Materials and methods

The aphrodisiac activity of Allium tuberosum seeds n-BuOH extract was investigated in male rats. The extract (500 mg/kg body weight/day) and L-dopa (100 mg/kg body weight/day) were administered orally by gavages for 40 days. Mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL),mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (EF) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were the parameters observed before and during the sexual behavior study at day 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40.

Results

The n-BuOH extract reduced significantly ML, IL, EL and PEI (p < 0.05). The extract also increased significantly MF, IF and EF (p < 0.05). These effects were observed in sexually active and inactive male rats.

Conclusions

Present findings provide experimental evidence that the n-BuOH extract preparation of Allium tuberosum seeds possesses aphrodisiac property.     

Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne: A tropical medicinal plant with intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in TNBS model of intestinal inflammation in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Stem bark and fruit pulp of Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart ex. Hayne (Fabaceae) has been popularly used to treat inflammation and gastrointestinal diseases including ulcers, diarrhea and gastric pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of a methanol extract derived from the stem bark and diet with fruit pulp of Hymenaea stigonocarpa in the TNBS model of intestinal inflammation in rats.

Material and methods

The intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of stem bark extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and fruit pulp (10% and 5% in diet) was measured against the intestinal inflammatory process induced by TNBS (trinitrobenzesulphonic acid) in rats. The protective effects were evaluated as follows: evaluation of intestinal damage (damage score, extension of lesion, colon weight/length ratio), incidence of diarrhea and adherence to adjacent organs, colon glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities. In addition, in vitro studies on lipid peroxidation in rat brain membranes and phytochemical profile were performed with both stem bark and fruit pulp.

Results

Treatment with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of stem bark extract and 10% fruit pulp flour showed protective effects in the TNBS-induced colon damage, which was related to inhibition of MPO and AP activities, reduction in colon MDA content, and counteraction of GSH depletion induced by inflammatory process. A concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the lipid peroxidation in rat brain membranes for stem bark and fruit pulp was determined, with an IC₅₀ value of 5.25±0.23 μg/mL and 27.33±0.09 μg/mL, respectively. Similar phytochemical composition was observed in fruit and stem bark, including mainly flavonoids, condensed tannins and terpenes.

Conclusions

Stem bark extract and fruit pulp flour of Hymenaea stigonocarpa prevented TNBS-induced colonic damage in rats and this protective effect were associated to an improvement of intestinal oxidative stress. The observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may be associated to the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the stem bark and fruit pulp of Hymenaea stigonocarpa.     

Sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects of Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) in mice and rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Viscum album L. is claimed in traditional medical practice, to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy and insomnia in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Materials and methods

The effect of Viscum album L. on epilepsy, psychosis and sedative activity was evaluated in mice and rats using standard procedure.

Results

The aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album L. prolonged the pentobarbital induced sleeping time and reduced the locomotor activity in actophotometer. This suggests that reduced locomotor activity facilitate GABAergic transmission. In addition the extract reduced MES, INH and PTZ-induced convulsions which suggest that there may be possibility of blocking Na⁺ channels, opening of Cl⁻channels or enhancing the GABAergic system. The extract decreased the apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and potentiates the HAL-induced cataleptic score which suggests the extract possess antidopaminergic activity.

Conclusion

The results obtained in present study suggested that title plant exhibited sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic activity in mice and rats.     

小果鹧鸪花果实脂溶性成分GC-MS分析及抗菌活性

目的:为研究小果鹧鸪花Trichilia connaroides Bentv.var.microcarpa Bentv.果实的脂溶性成分及抗菌活性。方法:冷浸法提取小果鹧鸪花果实中脂溶性成分,采用气相色谱-质谱联用技术(GC-MS)对其化学成分进行分析;用滤纸片琼脂扩散法测定其抗菌活性。结果:共分离出45个色谱峰,鉴定了其中44个化合物,占总量的92.82%;该脂溶性成分对金黄色葡萄球菌具有抑制作用。结论:首次从小果鹧鸪花果实中提取脂溶性成分并鉴定化学成分,主要为脂肪酸类化合物(60.88%),为小果鹧鸪花的开发利用提供了科学依据。     

Protective effect of fruits of Morinda citrifolia L. on scopolamine induced memory impairment in mice: a behavioral, biochemical and cerebral blood flow study

Ethnopharmacological relsevance

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is widely used for different illnesses including CNS disorders. Recently Noni has been reported to prevent amyloid beta induced memory impairment in mice. However, the influence of Noni on cholinergic system has not been explored so far. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate effect of Noni fruit on memory, cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in scopolamine induced amnesia model.

Materials and methods

Mice were orally treated with ethanolic extract of Noni fruit and chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of ethanolic extract for three days. Scopolamine was administered 5 min prior to acquisition trial and memory function was evaluated by passive avoidance test. CBF was measured by laser doppler flowmetry. AChE activity and oxidative stress parameters were estimated in mice brain at the end of behavioral studies. Further, effect of ethanolic extract and its fractions (5-400 μg/ml) on AChE activity was measured in vitro.

Results

Scopolamine caused memory impairment along with reduced CBF, increased AChE activity and oxidative stress in mice brain. Ethanolic extract of Noni fruits and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions significantly improved memory and CBF. However, butanol fraction had no effect. Further, increased oxidative stress and AChE activity following scopolamine was significantly attenuated by ethanolic extract of Noni and its fractions. Moreover ethanolic extract and its fractions showed dose dependent inhibition of AChE activity in vitro.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that Noni may be useful in memory impairment due to its effect on CBF, AChE and oxidative stress.     

Antiulcer activity of methanolic extract of Momordica charantia L. in rats

Aim of the study

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) commonly known as ‘bitter gourd’ is a multi purpose herb cultivated in different parts of the world for its edible fruits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of standardized methanolic extract of Momordica charantia L. fruits on gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Materials and methods

The effect was evaluated in acetic acid induced chronic gastric ulcer, pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer, ethanol induced gastric ulcer, stress induced gastric ulcer, indomethacin induced gastric ulcer and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer model. The extract was administered orally at two different doses of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg.

Results

The healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer was increased by both doses of the extract. In pylorus-ligated rats, the extract showed significant decrease in ulcer index, total acidity, free acidity and pepsin content and an increase in gastric mucosal content. The extract also reduced the ulcer index in stress induced, ethanol induced and indomethacin induced gastric ulcers and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract of Momordica charantia L. fruit increases healing of gastric ulcer and also prevents development of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers in rats.     

苦参、藜芦合用对大鼠肝P450酶活性及mRNA表达的调控作用

目的:研究中药十八反中苦参与藜芦合用对P450同工酶在酶活性及mRNA水平的调控作用。方法:采用紫外分光光度法测定大鼠肝微粒体细胞色素P450与细胞色素b5含量及氨基比林N-脱甲基酶(APND)、对硝基苯酚羟化酶(pNPH)活性。采用RT-PCR检测大鼠肝脏中5种P450同工酶CYP1A1,CYP2B1/2,CYP2C11,CYP2E1,CYP3A1 mRNA的表达。结果:苦参及其与藜芦合用可明显降低P450蛋白含量及b5的含量,并能使APND活性下降。在mRNA水平上,藜芦可诱导CYP2C11的基因表达,与苦参合用后却使得CYP2C11的表达下降。各单药及配伍组对CYP1A1基本无表达。苦参可诱导CYP2B1/2的基因表达,而苦参-藜芦配伍组却显示了微弱的抑制作用。苦参与藜芦合用及各单药对CYP3A1的表达有一定的抑制作用。结论:苦参与藜芦配伍前后存在对CYP及其亚型的调控作用,可能存在基于药物代谢酶机制的相反作用,需进一步结合代谢研究加以综合分析,阐明相反作用的机制。     

Experimental evidence of the anaphrodisiac activity of Humulus lupulus L. in naïve male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In the folk medicine Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is mainly recommended as a mild sedative with antispasmodic and digestive properties. It is also reputed to exert an anaphrodisiac effect but it is still lacking the experimental evidence of this activity.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the influence of Humulus lupulus extract on sexual behavior of both naïve and sexually potent male rats; thereafter to investigate the role of 8-prenylnarigenin (8-PN) in the effect displayed by the hop extract.

Materials and methods

Sprague–Dawley male rats both naïve and sexually potent were acutely administered with the hop extract dosed at 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg. In addition the extract was administered daily for 10 consecutive days at the dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day in sexually potent animals. The pure compound 8-PN was acutely administered in naïve rats at the dosages of 5, 12.5 and 25 μg/kg. All the animals were screened for their sexual behavior manifestation during the mating test.

Results

In naïve rats the acute administration of Humulus lupulus extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the percentage of mounting and ejaculating animals, in comparison to vehicle controls. The other parameters recorded during the mating test were not affected by the hop extract. In sexually potent rats nor the acute neither the repeated administration of the extract modified their copulatory behavior.The pure compound 8-PN failed to influence male sexual behavior of naïve rats.

Conclusion

Humulus lupulus extract exerted an anaphrodisiac effect only in naïve rats by inhibiting their mounting and ejaculating behavior. The presence of 8-PN in the extract could be only partially involved in the observed anaphrodisiac effect.     

The memory-enhancing effects of Euphoria longan fruit extract in mice

Aim of the study

The fruit of Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud. (Sapindaceae) is sweet and edible. Dried Euphoria longan fruit is prescribed as a tonic and for the treatment of forgetfulness, insomnia, or palpitations caused by fright in traditional Chinese medicine. The effects of aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit (ELE) on learning and memory and their underlying mechanisms were investigated.

Materials and methods

Aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit (ELE) was administered to ICR mice for 14 days. Piracetam was used as a positive control for its known memory-enhancing effects. Memory performances were assessed using the passive avoidance task. The expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) 1/2, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin (DCX) and the incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions were investigated using immunohistochemical methods.

Results

The step-through latency in the ELE-treated group was significantly increased compared with that in the vehicle-treated controls (P < 0.05) in the passive avoidance task. Piracetam-treated group also showed enhanced cognitive performaces in the passive avoidance task. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the number of cells immunopositive for BDNF, pCREB, or pERK 1/2 was significantly increased in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA1 regions after ELE treatment for 14 days (P < 0.05). DCX and BrdU immunostaining also revealed that ELE significantly enhanced immature neuronal survival, but not neuronal cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that subchronic administration of aqueous extract of Euphoria longan fruit enhances learning and memory, and that its beneficial effects are mediated, in part, by BDNF expression and immature neuronal survival.     

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl fruit aqueous extract enhances LDL receptor and PCSK9 expression in vivo and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl (Pm) has been shown to reduce cholesterol level in vitro and in vivo experiment.

Aim of the study

This study investigated the effects of Pm fruit on weight control and mechanistic basis of its anti-hypercholesterolemic effect in both in vivo and in vitro.

Materials and method

In the in vivo study, thirty six male Sprague Dawley were randomized to six groups. Five groups were induced into hypercholesterolemia by giving 3% cholesterol enriched-diet for 52 days while one group acted as control. The rats were then treated with Pm extract (0, 20, 30 and 40 mg/ml) or simvastatin for 84 days. The following parameters were determined: (1) body weight, (2) blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL) and (3) hepatic LDL receptor (160 kDa and 120 kDa) and PCSK9 proteins. In the in vitro study, HepG2 cells were cultured in serum-free RPMI supplemented with 0.2% BSA with or without LDL and in the presence of Pm extract (0, 0.1, 2, 40 and 1000 μg/ml) or simvastatin (4.60 μg/ml) for 24 h. The abundance of both LDL receptor and PCSK9 proteins and mRNA were investigated.

Results

Pm extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced body weight gain, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL LDL levels and upregulated hepatic LDL receptor as well as PCSK9 proteins of hypercholesterolemic rats. These results were supported by studies in HepG2 cells whereby Pm extract also significantly upregulated both LDL receptor and PCSK9 at protein and mRNA levels.

Conclusion

This study enhances the potential usage of Pm fruit for controlling the body weight of obese people and for treating hypercholesterolemia.     

Salacia reticulata inhibits differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study was to define antidiabetic effects of fruit of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Ericaceae) which is traditionally used in Iran for improving of health status of diabetic patients.

Materials and methods

Firstly, we examined the effect of ethanolic extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruit on postprandial blood glucose (PBG) after 1, 3, 5, 8, and 24 h following a single dose administration of the extract to alloxan-diabetic male Wistar rats. Also oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Secondly, PBG was measured at the end of 1, 2 and 3 weeks following 3 weeks daily administration of the extract. At the end of treatment period the pancreatic INS and cardiac GLUT-4 mRNA expression and also the changes in the plasma lipid profiles and antioxidant enzymes activities were assessed.Finally, we examined the inhibitory activity of the extract against rat intestinal α-glucosidase.

Results

The obtained results showed mild acute (18%) and also significant chronic (35%) decrease in the PBG, significant reduction in triglyceride (47%) and notable rising of the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (57%), glutathione peroxidase (35%) and catalase (19%) activities due to treatment with the extract. Also we observed increased expression of GLUT-4 and INS genes in plant extract treated Wistar rats. Furthermore, in vitro studies displayed 47% and 56% inhibitory effects of the extract on activity of intestinal maltase and sucrase enzymes, respectively.

Conclusions

Findings of this study allow us to establish scientifically Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruit as a potent antidiabetic agent with antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and triglyceride lowering effects.     

Antidepressant-like effects of Tagetes lucida Cav. in the forced swimming test

Aim of the Study

Tagetes lucida (Asteraceae), has been referred in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of different central nervous system (CNS) diseases, mainly depression. Nevertheless, the available scientific information about this species is scarce and there are no reports related to its possible effect on the CNS. In this work, the antidepressant-like effect of extract of Tagetes lucida was evaluated in rats, as well as its potential adverse effects on male sexual behavior (MSB).

Materials and methods

Antidepressant activity was studied using forced swimming test (FST), motor activity in the open-field test and on MSB in sexually experienced male. The aqueous extract of Tagetes lucida in doses of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/(kg day)⁻¹ were administered orally for 14 consecutive days and evaluated on day 14, 2 h after the last dose treatment. Fluoxetine (10 mg/(kg day)⁻¹, p.o.) was used as the control positive.

Results

The aqueous extract (10, 50, 100 mg/(kg day)⁻¹) significantly reduced immobility and increased swimming without affecting climbing behavior in the FST. These same doses were not able to modify neither the motor activity nor the MSB.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the extract of Tagetes lucida possesses antidepressant-like properties in rats.