Antidepressant-like effects of aqueous extracts of miswak (Salvadora persica) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on depression-like behaviors using CUMS model in male rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of aqueous extracts of miswak (Salvadora persica) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and their combination on depression-like behaviors using a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model of depression and to investigate the underlying possible mechanisms. Results showed that CUMS induced depression-like behaviors and anxiety in male rats, as determined by behavioral tests (FST, EPM, and OFT). CUMS significantly increased the levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), cortisol, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), in addition to enhancing acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity while plasma total antioxidant capacity and serotonin level were reduced. In the prefrontal cortex, CUMS decreased the expression of CREB and BDNF mRNA. However, aqueous extracts of miswak and date palm and their combination effectively ameliorated depressive-like behaviors, body weight loss, and oxidative stress induced by CUMS and restored serotonin and cortisol secretion to normal levels. Furthermore, the studied extracts improved the levels of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines and CREB and BDNF mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of miswak and date palm have significant antidepressant-like effects on depression-like behaviors in CUMS model in rats. Moreover, their combination has higher antidepressant-like effects than either extract alone, suggesting that it may be an effective treatment for stress-induced depression-like behaviors acting through modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chronic stress is a major contributor to the development of depression. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of herbal remedies for the treatment of a variety of diseases, particularly mood disorders. Because of the side effects encountered by antidepressant drugs such as anxiety, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, and inadequate response or developing tolerance to these medications, there is a need for more efficient and convenient antidepressant treatments. According to this study, aqueous extracts of miswak and date palm are effective treatments for stress-induced depression-like behaviors.

Effects of Salvadora persica Extract on the Hematological and Biochemical Alterations against Immobilization-Induced Rats.

A total of 24 rats were divided into 4 groups: control, stress, extract alone, and stress + extract (n = 6 each), for total 21 days of treatment. The immobilization stress was induced in rats by putting them in 20 cm × 7 cm plastic tubes for 2 h/day for 21 days. Rats were postorally treated with Salvadora persica at a dose of 900 mg/kg body weight via intragastric intubations. At the end of the test period, hematological and biochemical parameters were determined in blood and serum samples with determination of vital organs weights. The vital organ weights were not significantly affected in stressed rats as compared to control rats. Compared to the control group, the stress treated group showed significances in several hematological parameters, including decreases in WBC, RBC, and PLT counts. Furthermore, in comparison to the control group, the stress group showed significantly increased blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerols levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol level. The hematological and biochemical parameters in the stress + extract treated group were approximately similar to control group. The SP extract restored the changes observed following stress treatment.

Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of Rosmarinus officinalis extract in diabetic rats

The present study examined the effect of water extract (200 mg/kg body weight) of Rosmarinus officinalis L. in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. The hepatoprotective effects were investigated in the liver tissues sections. There was a significant increase in serum liver biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase), accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of total protein and albumin in the STZ-induced rats when compared with that of the normal group. The high-dose treatment group (200 mg/kg body wt) significantly restored the elevated liver function enzymes near to normal. This study revealed that rosemary extracts exerted a hepatoprotective effect. The results indicate that the extract exhibits the protective effect on tissues and prove its potentials as an antidiabetic agent (AU)

Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of Rosmarinus officinalis extract in diabetic rats.

The present study examined the effect of water extract (200 mg/kg body weight) of Rosmarinus officinalis L. in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. The hepatoprotective effects were investigated in the liver tissues sections. There was a significant increase in serum liver biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase), accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of total protein and albumin in the STZ-induced rats when compared with that of the normal group. The high-dose treatment group (200 mg/kg body wt) significantly restored the elevated liver function enzymes near to normal. This study revealed that rosemary extracts exerted a hepatoprotective effect. The results indicate that the extract exhibits the protective effect on tissues and prove its potentials as an antidiabetic agent.