The influence and mechanisms of the volatile oil from Mgristica fragrans Houtt.on chronic unpredictable stress rats

Abstract

Objective To observe antidepressant effect of the volatile oil of Myristica on rats and investigate the mechanisms of antidepressant effect. Methods 72 rats were assigned randomly into normal control group, model group, positive control group and groups of different doses of the volatile oil of Myristica.After all rats except normal control group were applied to unpredictable stimulation and different doses of drugs for 21 days, and unpredictable stimulation after 1 h of gavaging. Horizontal and vertical activities and sugar consumptions were tested after molding and oral administration. After the behavioral experiments, the brains of the rats were taken, and 5-hydroxy tryptamine(5-HT), dopamine, noradrenalin content and activity of monoamine oxidase were measured. Results Comparing with model group after gavaging, the high dose of the volatile oil of Myristica showed antidepressant effect in the rats, the situation of crossing(33.22±4.21) and rearing(9.56±1.74) was improved and sweet water consumption((60.81±14.48)%) of rats was increased, significantly comparison with model group(P 0.05). The high dose group could significantly increase the content of 5-HT((12.23±0.950)ng/ml), DA((179.11±15.20)pg/ml) and reduce the activity of monoamine oxidase((9.12±0.95)μg/ml) in rats' brain, and significant differences were showed compared with model group(P<0.01). Conclusion The volatile oil of Myristica has obvious antidepressant effect in rat chronic mild stress, its mechanism is related to increase the content of 5-HT and DA and reduce the activity of monoamine oxidase in rats' brain. Key words: The volatile oil of Myristica; Chronic stress-induced depression; Mechanism; Monoamine neurotransmitters