ABSTRACT
Introduction: Celastrus paniculatus seed oil, commonly known as Malkangni or Jyotishmati, was in use from time immemorial to treat brain related disorders. Celastrus paniculatus seed oil has significant antidepressant-like activity in chronic unpredictable stressed mice. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil in unstressed mice and to explore its mechanism of action
Methods: The seed oil [50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, PO] and fluoxetine per se were administered for 14 successive days to Swiss young albino mice. On the 14[th] day, 60 min after drug administration, animals were subjected to Tail Suspension Test [TST] and Forced Swim Test [FST]. The mechanism of action was also studied
Results: The oil significantly decreased immobility period of mice in both tail suspension test and forced swim test, indicating its significant antidepressant-like activity. The efficacy was found to be comparable to fluoxetine [P<0.0001]. ED50 value of celastrus seed oil using FST and TST were 17.38 and 31.62 mg/kg, respectively. The oil did not show any significant effect on locomotor activity. It significantly inhibited brain MAO-A activity and decreased plasma corticosterone levels. Sulpiride [selective D2-receptor antagonist], p-CPA [tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor], and baclofen [GABAB agonist] significantly attenuated the oil-induced antidepressant-like effect, when assessed during TST
Discussion: Celastrus paniculatus seed oil produced significant antidepressant-like effect in mice possibly through interaction with dopamine D2, serotonergic, and GABAB receptors; as well as inhibition of MAO-A activity and decrease in plasma corticosterone levels