Behavioral and Biochemical Evaluation of Anti-Depressive and Oxidative Stress-Ameliorating Effects of Amber Extract in Adult Male ICR Mice

Amber, a plant resin, exhibits an anti-stress effect and is used in traditional medicine. Recently, it has been speculated that amber may possess anti-depressive effect. However, there no evidence to support this efficacy. Thus, study investigated the oxidative-stress-ameliorating effects of extract mice subjected restraint stress. Mice were treated with (25 50 mg/kg, p.o.) bupropion (10 as positive control. then tail suspension test, their immobility time, body weight before after stress, levels stress-related hormones neurotransmitters, oxidative stress parameters assessed. Amber supplementation did not affect any groups. mg/kg) demonstrated by significantly decreasing time adrenocorticotropin-hormone corticosterone-hormone levels. Moreover, at dose 25 mg/kg increased dopamine serotonin. Additionally, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione increased, whereas malondialdehyde content decreased supplementation. These findings confirm hence can be useful alternative therapy for preventing managing depression.