Role of Allicin in Combination with Fluoxetine for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Rodents: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study

Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the most common neurological disorders for which only symptomatic treatment is available with synthetic drugs with serious side effects. Allicin [S-(2-propenyl)-2-propene-1-sulfinothioate] is a bioactive component derived from Allium sativum L. (Garlic). It has the property to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which reveals its neuroprotective property. A synthetic drug named fluoxetine (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) was introduced for the clinical treatment of depression. It is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor that is well absorbed after oral administration. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-depressant effect of fluoxetine alone and in combination with allicin. Methods: A pharmacokinetic study of allicin alone as well as in combination with fluoxetine was conducted to evaluate peak concentration, peak concentration time, and area under the curve in blood plasma. Furthermore, the biochemical analysis of neurotrophin levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin, and dopamine was also performed to determine the anti-depressant activity with synergism effect of allicin and fluoxetine. Results: The results of a pharmacokinetic study for co-administration of fluoxetine with allicin and enhanced neurotrophins and monoamines levels confirmed their effectiveness against depression. They may also be effective in suicidal risk associated with anti-depressant drugs. Conclusion: A combination of synthetic drugs with herbal compounds may be an alternate and effective therapy to overcome harmful effects.