Abstract
Mesaconitine (MA), a diester-diterpenoid alkaloid in aconite roots, is considered to be one of the most important bioactive ingredients. In this review, we summarized its neuropharmacological effects, including analgesic effects and antiepileptiform effects. Mesaconitine can act on the central noradrenergic system and the serotonin system; behaving like the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants that increase norepinephrine levels in stress-induced depression. Therefore, the possible perspectives for future studies on the depression of MA were also discussed as well. The pharmacological effect of MA on depression is worthy of further study.
Highlights
Many antidepressants have been developed based on the catecholamine deficiency hypothesis, but these drugs cannot meet people’s needs
The latency period in antidepressant efficacy is a problem in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treatment because the depressive states are often connected with a higher risk of suicide [1, 2]
The pharmacological effect of MA on depression is worthy of further study
Summary
Many antidepressants have been developed based on the catecholamine deficiency hypothesis, but these drugs cannot meet people’s needs. Only about 50% of MDD patients who received currently available antidepressants (AD) showed complete remission, including several drug trials with or without concurrent psychotherapy, but up to 80% of patients showed partial response [5]. Tricyclic antidepressants may have cardiotoxicity and atropine-like side effects [6]. MA possesses multiple pharmacological activities, such as vaso-relaxing effects [10,11,12], analgesic effects [13], and antiepileptiform effects [14]. Only Nesterova et al reported that MA possesses antidepressant activity [15]. The mechanisms of MA in analgesia and antiepileptiform effects are similar to that of antidepressants. The pharmacological effect of MA on depression is worthy of further study. The possible perspectives for future studies on the depression of MA were discussed as well
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
