A study on antidepressant-like effect of dihydroxy flavones in mice and their mechanisms involved

Abstract

Background: In the treatment of depression, drugs with a quick onset of action and high margin of safety are intensely being searched. Previous studies indicate flavonoids as a potential source for such drugs. Hence, in the present study, four dihydroxy flavones have been selected for investigation. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential antidepressant effect and the mechanism of action of dihydroxy flavone derivatives in mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were subjected to forced swim test and tail suspension test for 6 min. The period of immobility in these animals was recorded after treatment with different doses of 3,7-dihydroxy flavone, 3,3’-dihydroxy flavone, 6,3’-dihydroxy flavone, and 5,6–dihydroxy flavone. Interacting drugs such as para chlorophenylalanine, alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine, L-arginine, and naloxone were employed to delineate the role of various mechanisms involved in the action of these dihydroxy flavones in forced swim test. Results: A dose-dependent reduction in the immobility period of mice was recorded in both forced swim test and tail suspension test for dihydroxy flavones indicating the antidepressant-like effect of these compounds. However, 6,3’-dihydroxy flavone was found to be less effective than the other three compounds. Various interacting drugs differentially modulated the reduction of immobility period produced by dihydroxy flavones in forced swim test. Monoaminergic, opioid, and nitric oxide pathways were evident in the action of dihydroxy flavones. Conclusion: The present study identified the potential antidepressant effect of a few dihydroxy flavone derivatives involving novel mechanisms.