Terpenoid content of Valeriana wallichii extracts and antidepressant‐like response profiles

Three extracts of Valeriana wallichii DC (Valerianaceae) rhizome and fluoxetine were studied for antidepressant‐like activity in two behavioral models, namely the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). Fluoxetine as well as methanolic and aqueous extracts of V. wallichii induced monophasic dose‐related decrements in immobility times in both tests. However, the aqueous‐ethanolic fraction induced a biphasic dose‐response profile since it produced a graded effect up to 200 mg/kg but the highest dose (250 mg/kg) was inactive in the FST. This extract also exhibited significantly reduced activity at 200 mg/kg compared to lower doses in the TST. The highest doses of aqueous‐ethanolic extract also reduced locomotor activity which will have led to a negative functional interaction with antidepressant‐like effects. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous‐ethanolic extract of V. wallichii was the only separated rhizome fraction containing terpenoids. Furthermore, since the methanolic and aqueous extracts were active in the tests, it is suggested that the antidepressant‐like action of this herbal plant is not contingent upon its terpenoid constituents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rapid antidepressant‐like effect of Fructus Aurantii depends on cAMP‐response element binding protein/Brain‐derived neurotrophic facto by mediating synaptic transmission

Several studies reported the relative antidepressant effects of Fructus Aurantii (FRA) with repeated treatment, the rapid antidepressant effects of FRA and the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. We, therefore, examined the rapid antidepressant actions of FRA in behavioral tests in mice and tested the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found FRA, like ketamine, reversed the behavioral deficits both in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced and learned helplessness (LH) models at 1 day after a single administration. FRA was also capable of increasing the expressions of protein kinase A/cAMP‐response element‐binding protein/brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (PKA/CREB/BDNF) signaling in hippocampus. Consistent with ketamine, FRA up‐regulated the expressions of GABAergic receptor (GAD67) and glutamatergic receptor 1 (GluR1) in mouse hippocampus both exposed to LPS and LH. Moreover, synaptic proteins such as postsynaptic density‐95 (PSD95) and synapsin1 were also up‐regulated by a single dose of FRA both in LH and LPS models, like ketamine. Finally, metadoxine (an antagonist of CREB) inhibited the antidepressant effects of FRA in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) in LPS‐induced mice, which also blocked the phosphorylation of CREB and the expressions of neurotransmitters and synaptic molecules. Therefore, FRA had rapid antidepressant effects, which depended on PKA/CREB/BDNF pathway, subsequently regulated the downstream synaptic transmission.     

Antidepressant‐like effects of 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol in a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress and the related mechanisms

20(S)‐Protopanaxadiol (PPD) is a basic aglycone of the dammarane triterpenoid saponins and exerts antidepressant‐like effects on behaviour in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) and in rat olfactory bulbectomy depression models. However, the antidepressant effects of PPD have not been studied thoroughly. The objective of the present study was first to investigate the effect of PPD on depression behaviours induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) in mice. The results showed that CSDS was effective in producing depression‐like behaviours in mice, as indicated by decreased responses in the social interaction test, sucrose preference test, TST, and FST, and that this effect was accompanied by noticeable alterations in the levels of oxidative markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation) and monoamines (5‐HT and NE) in the hippocampus and serum corticosterone levels. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that CSDS exposure significantly downregulated BDNF, p‐TrkB/TrkB, p‐Akt/Akt, and p‐mTOR/mTOR protein expression in the hippocampus. Remarkably, chronic PPD treatment significantly ameliorated these behavioral and biochemical alterations associated withCSDS‐induced depression. Our results suggest that PPD exerts antidepressant‐like effects in mice with CSDS‐induced depression and that this effect may be mediated by the normalization of neurotransmitter and corticosterone levels and the alleviation of oxidative stress, as well as the enhancement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR‐mediated BDNF/TrkB pathway.     

Schisandra chinensis ameliorates depressive‐like behaviors by regulating microbiota‐gut‐brain axis via its anti‐inflammation activity

The present study aimed to examine the antidepressant actions of the composition fractions of Schisandra chinensis using LPS‐induced mice. Animals were treated with total extracts (SCE), lignans (SCL), polysaccharides (SCPS), and essential oil (SCVO), and then subjected to behavioral tests. The forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used as predictive animal models of antidepressant activity. Total extracts and lignans significantly decreased the duration of immobility in FST and TST. We found that treatment with SCE and SCL could significantly decrease the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines both in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). This was confirmed by the histopathological examination of the colon. The RT‐PCR results demonstrated that SCE and SCL could greatly inhibit the TLR4/NF‐κB/IKKα signaling pathway. In addition, the concentrations of Butyric acid and Propionic acid were upregulated by the administration, and the decreased diversity of intestinal microbiota and alterations of the relative proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phylum members, Barnesiella and Lactobacillus genus members in LPS‐induced mice were restored as well. All results suggested that lignans is the effective fraction of S.chinensis to ameliorating depressive disorders, which its anti‐inflammation activity possibly involved in the bidirectional connection between gut microbiota and brain.     

Antidepressant activity of standardised extract of Marsilea minuta Linn

AIM OF THE STUDY: Marsilea minuta Linn. (Marsileaceae) has been referred in Indian traditional medicine system (Ayurveda) for the treatment of insomnia and other mental disorders. Marsiline isolated from Marsilea minuta was reported to have sedative and anticonvulsant property. The ethanol extract of Marsilea minuta was standardised for marsiline (1.15%, w/w) and studied for its antidepressant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidepressant activity was studied using forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), learned helplessness test (LHT) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced head twitches response in rodents. Standardised extract of Marsilea minuta in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day were administered orally for three consecutive days and evaluated on day 3, 1h after the last dose treatment. Imipramine (15 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was used as the standard drug. Neurochemical mechanism of antidepressant activity was elucidated by using radioligand receptor binding assays for 5-HT2A and benzodiazepine receptors in rat frontal cortex. RESULTS: Immobility time in FST and TST was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by ethanol extract of Marsilea minuta treated animals. A decrease in number of escape failures in LHT was also observed in Marsilea minuta treated rats. Head twitch response induced by 5-HTP was significantly attenuated by Marsilea minuta (400 mg/kg, p.o.) and imipramine showing the involvement of serotonergic system. This effect was corroborated with radioligand receptor binding study where Marsilea minuta (400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) down regulated 5-HT2A receptor in frontal cortex, whereas, no marked effect was observed for benzodiazepine receptor. CONCLUSION: The antidepressant effect exhibited by Marsilea minuta extract may be due to its effect on 5-HT2A density in rat frontal cortex.     

Antidepressant effect of Yueju-Wan ethanol extract and its fractions in mice models of despair

AIM OF THE STUDY: Yueju-Wan (YJ), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is commonly used for the treatment of depression-related syndromes in China. This study was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ ethanol extract (YJ-E) and its four different fractions, the petroleum ether fraction (YJ-EA), ethyl acetate fraction (YJ-EB), n-butanol fraction (YJ-EC) and final aqueous fraction (YJ-ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experimental despair animal models: the mice tail suspension test (TST) and the mice forced swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ-E and its fractions. These extracts or fractions were administered orally for 7 days, while the parallel positive control was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLU) in TST and imipramine hydrochloride (IMI) in FST respectively. RESULTS: YJ-E high dose (YJ-E2), YJ-EA, YJ-EC and the positive control groups could decrease the duration of immobility in the TST and FST and have no significant changes in locomotor activity. YJ-E low dose (YJ-E1), YJ-EB, YJ-ED and the vehicle solvent (VEH) control group have no obvious effect on these same tests. CONCLUSIONS: In these despair animal models, YJ ethanol extract, the petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction show potent antidepressant effects. The petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction appear to be the active fractions of YJ-E.     

酸枣仁合欢方抗抑郁有效部位的研究

目的 以药效学方法筛选酸枣仁合欢方的抗抑郁有效部位.方法 采用小鼠强迫游泳实验、小鼠悬尾实验、空场实验和拮抗利血平所致的体温降低实验,比较总皂苷和总黄酮部位的抗抑郁药效.结果 在小鼠悬尾实验和游泳实验中,总皂苷组与模型组比较能显著缩短小鼠不动时间,表现出抗抑郁作用;总黄酮组虽能缩短小鼠不动时间,但无统计学意义(P＞0.05).空场实验表明各组间小鼠自主活动无显著性差异.在利血平拮抗实验中,总皂苷组在4h时可显著拮抗小鼠体温下降(P＜0.05).结论 通过抗抑郁药效学实验结果,初步确定总皂苷为酸枣仁合欢方的有效部位.     

Involvement of mTOR‐related signaling in antidepressant effects of Sophoraflavanone G on chronically stressed mice

SophoraflavanoneG (SG), an important prenylated flavonoid isolated from Sophoraalopecuroides.L, is effective for many illnesses. The present study was designed to investigate whether the compound could reverse depressive‐like symptoms and investigate its possible mechanisms. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) mice were treated with fluoxetine and SG. The immobility time in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were recorded. The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus were evaluated. Furthermore, the protein expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, BDNF, and Trkb in hippocampus were detected. Rapamycin, the selective mTOR inhibitor, was used to estimate the potential mechanism. As a result, after 7 days of SG treatment, the immobility time in FST and TST was declined obviously. The levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in the hippocampus were significantly reduced, and the quantity of 5‐HT and NE was raised considerably in SG‐treated group compared with the CUMS‐exposed group. Additionally, SG could up‐regulate the expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, 70S6K, BDNF, and Trkb. The blockade of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling blunted the antidepressant effect and reversed the up‐regulation of BDNF expression caused by SG. These findings suggested that SG treatment alleviated depressive‐like symptoms via mTOR‐mediated BDNF/Trkb signaling.     

绞股蓝提取物抗抑郁活性研究

目的考察绞股蓝提取物抗抑郁活性。方法通过3种动物模型,即小鼠悬尾实验(TST)、强迫游泳实验(FST)和开场实验(OFT)模型,首次测试绞股蓝75%乙醇提取物(醇提物,JE)及其水提物(JW)的抗抑郁活性。结果 JE(2.5,5 g/kg)可使小鼠在TST及FST的不动时间均显著性缩短(P<0.05),呈现出良好的量效关系,且与阳性药盐酸氟西汀(FH)相比无显著性差异(P>0.05),而JW(2.5,5 g/kg)对小鼠在TST及FST的不动时间均无显著性差异(P>0.05);各组小鼠OFT穿格次数比较,均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论首次证实绞股蓝醇提物具有抗抑郁活性,且与FH的作用相当,而其水提物在既定给药方案下无抗抑郁活性。     

高度富集黄酮类成分的贯叶连翘提取物抗抑郁作用

目的探讨贯叶连翘提取物中高度富集的黄酮类成分的抗抑郁作用。方法采用小鼠强迫游泳实验、小鼠悬尾实验、开野实验和拮抗利血平所致的体温降低实验,分别以小鼠不动时间、自主活动数和体温下降值作为评价指标。结果在强迫游泳和悬尾实验中,40,80,160,240mg/kg剂量组贯叶连翘提取物均能显著缩短小鼠不动时间,20mg/kg剂量组无显著性差异;开野实验结果表明给药后小鼠的自主活动不同程度地减少;在利血平拮抗实验中,30,60,120mg/kg剂量组在3h,4h和5h各时间点体温下降值与模型对照组相比有显著性差异,240和480mg/kg两剂量组在各测定时间点体温下降值与模型对照组相比均有显著性差异。结论高度富集总黄酮的贯叶连翘提取物(弃除贯叶金丝桃素)有抗抑郁作用。     

Antidepressant‐like effect of anacardic acid in mice via the L‐arginine–nitric oxide–serotonergic system

Depression, a multifactorial neuronal disorder with high morbidity/mortality, is associated with psychological, psychosocial, hereditary, and environmental etiologies, where reactive species exert pathophysiological functions. Anacardic acid (AA), a natural compound obtained from cashew nut liquid, has several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anticonvulsant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidepressant‐like effect of AA and the involvement of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and L‐arginine–nitric oxide (NO) in tail suspension and forced swim tests and, more so, to investigate its antioxidant effect in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in male Swiss mice (n = 8). In order to identify the antidepressant mechanisms, AA (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was given 30 min before clonidine (2‐adrenergic receptor agonist), L‐arginine (NO precursor), propranolol (β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist), and several other agonists or antagonists used. On the other hand, clonidine, noradrenoreceptor, noradrenaline, and L‐arginine were used to identify the antidepressant mechanisms. Results suggest that AA exerts antidepressant‐like activity, especially at higher doses, possibly by inhibiting serotonin and 5HT‐1A reuptake receptors and by inhibiting NO synthetase and guanylyl cyclase enzymes. Additionally, AA exhibited antioxidant effect in S. cerevisiae. This antioxidant capacity may be linked to its antidepressant‐like effect but does not interact with α‐ and β‐adrenoceptor receptors. In conclusion, AA may be used as a promising agent to treat depression, especially which arises from oxidative stress.     

Antidepressant profile of Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham (Marapuama) in mice

Depression has become of universal major importance, and it is therefore vital to expand the armamentarium for treating the condition. Lack of motivation and lassitude are major symptoms treated with the use of Marapuama (Ptychopetalum olacoides, PO) remedies by communities in the Brazilian Amazon. Considering the prominence of such symptoms in depression, the present study was designed to verify the effects of a standardized PO ethanol extract (POEE) on the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). POEE i.p. (15–100 mg/kg) and oral (300 mg/kg) resulted in a significant and dose‐related anti‐immobility effect. We further examined the involvement of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in these antidepressant‐like effects. POEE effects were prevented when catecholamine synthesis was inhibited by ‐α‐methyl‐ρ‐tyrosine (AMPT) (100 mg/kg, i.p.), while inhibition of serotonin synthesis with ρ‐chlorophenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride (PCPA) (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was devoid of effect. The blockade of β‐adrenergic (propranolol 2 mg/kg, i.p.) and D₁ dopamine (SCH 23390 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) receptors prevented POEE anti‐immobility effects; by contrast, blockade of D₂ dopamine (sulpiride 2 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) receptors was ineffective. Consistent with traditional use, the results indicate that POEE possesses antidepressant‐like effects, possibly mediated by β‐adrenergic and D₁ dopamine receptors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黄芩主要黄酮成分的抗抑郁活性筛选

目的:对黄芩中4种主要黄酮成分进行抗抑郁活性筛选.方法:雄性ICR小鼠随机分为10组,分别为:空白对照组、阳性对照氟西汀组(20 mg·kg-1)、黄芩苷、黄芩素、汉黄芩苷和汉黄芩素治疗组.其中4种黄酮各自分为10 mg·kg-1和20 mg·kg-12个剂量组.连续ig给药7d.末次给药1h后,分别采用强迫游泳、悬尾和开场实验对小鼠进行行为学观察.结果:与空白对照组相比,20 mg· kg -1的黄芩苷、黄芩索、汉黄芩苷和汉黄芩素可分别将强迫游泳小鼠不动时间由(107.6±28.5)s缩短至(64.4±25.1),(73.2±30.B),(69.6±20.4),(79.7±32.6) s.并将悬尾不动时间由(85.2±27.3)s缩短至(43.1±16.4),(52.0±21.1),(48.3±25.9),(62.2±35.8)s,差异具有显著性意义,其中以黄芩苷和汉黄芩苷的作用尤为显著.另外,4种黄酮成分对小鼠的自发活动无明显影响.结论:4种黄酮成分均具有不同程度的抗抑郁活性,其中黄芩苷、汉黄芩苷的活性较强,这可能与这些药物在体内的代谢过程有关.     

淫羊藿提取物抗抑郁作用研究

目的研究淫羊藿提取物的抗抑郁作用。方法采用行为绝望模型悬尾试验(TST)和强迫游泳试验(FST)研究淫羊藿提取物对小鼠行为、脑内单胺氧化酶A(M AO-A)、单胺氧化酶B(M AO-B)活性与肝脏中M AO-A和M AO-B活性及丙二醛(M DA)水平的影响;采用利血平拮抗模型探讨淫羊藿提取物可能存在的抗抑郁作用途径。结果淫羊藿提取物(25、50、100、200 m g/kg)能显著缩短TST和FST小鼠悬尾和游泳不动时间,显著抑制TST小鼠脑和肝组织M AO-A和M AO-B活性,逆转肝组织M DA水平的升高。淫羊藿提取物对利血平所致小鼠体温的下降无明显改善作用。结论淫羊藿提取物具有一定抗抑郁作用。     

小柴胡汤抗抑郁作用研究

目的:观察小柴胡汤的抗抑郁作用.方法:本实验将小鼠随机分成5组,即小柴胡汤高中低剂量组( 27,18,9g·kg -1剂量组,ig每天1次,连续给药7d)、盐酸氟西汀组(20 mg·kg-1)、空白对照组(分别ig给予等体积的生理盐水).采用小鼠悬尾、小鼠强迫游泳实验,以小鼠不动时间为指标来评价小柴胡汤的抗抑郁作用.结果:小柴胡汤高、中、低剂量组均能够显著缩短小鼠悬尾及强迫游泳不动时间.结论:小柴胡汤具有明显的抗抑郁作用.     

Baicalin and Scutellarin Are Proteasome Inhibitors that Specifically Target Chymotrypsin‐like Catalytic Activity

Baicalin and scutellarin are the major active principal flavonoids extracted from the Chinese herbal medicines Scutellaria baicalensis and Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand‐Mazz. It has recently been reported that baicalin and scutellarin have antitumor activity. However, the mechanisms of action are unknown. We previously reported that some flavonoids have a specific role in the inhibition of the activity of proteasome subunits and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. To further investigate these pharmacological effects, we examined the inhibitory activity of baicalin and scutellarin on the extracted proteasomes from mice and cancer cells. Using fluorogenic substrates for proteasome catalytic subunits, we found that baicalin and scutellarin specifically inhibited chymotrypsin‐like activity but did not inhibit trypsin‐like and peptidyl‐glutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities. These data suggested that baicalin and scutellarin specifically inhibit chymotrypsin‐like catalytic activity in the proteasome. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod ameliorate scopolamine‐induced memory impairment in mice

The major purpose of this study was to determine the effect of procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod (LSPC) on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. The capacities of memory and learning were evaluated by the Morris water maze and the step‐down avoidance test. LSPC (50, 100, 150 mg/kg BW, p.o.) significantly reversed scopolamine‐induced learning and memory impairments in the Morris water maze test, as evaluated by shortened escape latency and swimming distance. In the step‐down avoidance test, LSPC (50, 100, 150 mg/kg BW, p.o.) treatment significantly reduced the number of errors and shortened latency compared with that of scopolamine. In addition, LSPC was also found to inhibit acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity. These results of this study suggest that LSPC may play a useful role in the treatment of cognitive impairment caused by AD and aging. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Brain‐derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling Mediates the Antidepressant‐like Effect of the Total Flavonoids of Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Mice

The present study verified the antidepressant‐like effects of the total flavonoids of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. (AOF) using the chronic unpredictable mild stresses paradigm and explored the mechanism that underlies antidepressant‐like effects of AOF in mice. Previous research has shown that tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) receptor‐mediated extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathways participate in depression pathophysiology. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether AOF improved depression‐like behaviors by increasing activity of ERK pathways mediated by TrkB. Results showed that AOF significantly reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test and increased the sucrose preference in sucrose preference test. In addition, decreased phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element‐binding protein (pCREB)/CREB, pERK/ERK, and pTrkB/TrkB levels in the hippocampus induced by chronic unpredictable mild stresses were reversed by intragastric administration of AOF. Results suggested that AOF increased pCREB/CREB, pERK/ERK, and pTrkB/TrkB levels by acting on the TrkB receptor. To verify this hypothesis, mice were pretreated with the TrkB inhibitor K252a (or 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide, intraperitoneally, 2 weeks), before the intragastric administration of AOF. This resulted in an absence of antidepressant‐like effects, as well as no activation of pERK/pCREB/BDNF signaling pathways. Results demonstrated that AOF might exert antidepressant‐like effects by targeting TrkB receptor‐mediated pERK/pCREB/BDNF signal systems, which could help to identify the AOF receptor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Relationship Between Emotional Behavior in Mice and the Concentration of (+)‐α‐Santalol in the Brain

We previously reported finding anxiolytic‐like activity for sandalwood oil after administration in mice. In this report, we further investigated the emotional behavior associated with inhaled or intraperitoneally administered (+)‐α‐santalol, the main component of sandalwood oil, in addition to examining whether pharmacological or neurological transfers are responsible for this behavior. After administration of (+)‐α‐santalol by inhalation or intraperitoneal injection, we assessed anxiolytic‐like and locomotor activities using elevated‐plus maze tests. We also examined the relationship between the emotional behavior and the (+)‐α‐santalol brain concentration. Anxiolytic‐like activity was not observed immediately after administration or after water‐immersion stress for 24 h for either the (+)‐α‐santalol 2 μL/L air inhalation or the (+)‐α‐santalol 0.03 mL/kg (i.p.) administration. However, mice administered (+)‐α‐santalol 0.03 mL/kg intraperitoneally exhibited a significant decrease in the locomotor activity after exposure to water‐immersion stress for 24 h. The brain (+)‐α‐santalol concentration was 2.6 µg/g tissue after (+)‐α‐santalol 0.03 mL/kg (i.p.) administration. The observed shift of (+)‐α‐santalol to the brain suggests that this component acts via pharmacological transfer and is responsible for the sedative effect but not the anxiolytic‐like activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antidepressant-like effect of Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil. ethanolic extract and fractions in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil. (Lythraceae) has been referred in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases, among them depression. Nevertheless, there are not studies about this possible effect on the central nervous system (CNS).

Aim of the study

To evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of the ethanolic extract of Lafoensia pacari (PEtExt) and its fractions on the performance of male mice.

Materials and methods

Antidepressant activity was studied using forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests, and motor activity in the open-field test. The ethanolic extract of Lafoensia pacari (PEtExt) were administered acutely (1.0 g/kg, p.o.), for 21 days (100, 300 mg, and 1.0 g/(kg day), p.o.), three administration in a 24-h period (1.0 g/kg, p.o.), and the fractions for 21 days. Imipramine (15 mg/(kg day), p.o.) was used as the control positive.

Results

The PEtExt significantly reduced immobility time in FST and TST, without affecting the motor activity. Only the chloroformic fraction (50 mg/(kg day), p.o.) increase the latency to immobility and decrease the immobility time in the FST.

Conclusions

These data indicate that the extract of Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil. possesses antidepressant-like properties in mice.