Abstract
The purified total sterols and β-sitosterol extracted from Sargassum horneri were evaluated for their antidepressant-like activity using the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Total sterols and β-sitosterol significantly reduced the immobility time in the FST and TST. Total sterols were administered orally for 7 days at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and β-sitosterol was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg. β-sitosterol had no effect on locomotor activity in the open field test. In addition, total sterols and β-sitosterol significantly increased NE, 5-HT, and the metabolite 5-HIAA in the mouse brain, suggesting that the antidepressant-like activity may be mediated through these neurotransmitters.
Highlights
IntroductionDepression is characterized by a decrease in the ability to experience pleasure, lowered mood, and reduced interest
Depression is one of the most prevalent psychopathologies
In the 1 H-NMR spectra of β-sitosterol, –OH protons were observed as broad bands at 10.2 ppm and two –CH3 protons were displayed as single bands at 0.78 ppm (3H, s, H-18) and 1. 08 ppm (3H, s, H-19). =CH and –CH
Summary
Depression is characterized by a decrease in the ability to experience pleasure, lowered mood, and reduced interest It is a chronic and disabling mental illness that causes high morbidity and mortality [1]. The main biochemical causes of depression are metabolic disorders of monoamine neurotransmitters that are involved in noradrenaline (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) signaling. These neurotransmitters play important roles in mediating behavioral activity induced by antidepressant drugs [4,5]. We have used two classic animal behavioral despair tests—the FST and TST—to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the total steroids and β-sitosterol extracts of S. horneri in mice. Our findings may be useful for the development of novel drugs and food to treat depression
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