Effects of saffron aqueous extract on depression in male Wistar rats with chronic social defeat stress

Background: Depression, as a mental disorder, causes many complications in humans. Saffron has been suggested one of the effective plants treating various types depression. The present study aims to assess effect aqueous extract saffron on depression caused by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) rats. Materials and Methods: To induce CSDS, male Wistar intruder rats (Weight= 220-230 g) were put cage resident 280-300 for twelve consecutive days (20 min/day). Five minutes before exposure, received either (1, 5, 10 mg/kg) or saline (1 ml/kg). After animals’ weight, desire sucrose solution, locomotor activity recorded. In addition, at three stages, blood samples collected from retro-orbital sinus animals evaluate plasma corticosterone levels. Data analyzed SPSS software using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test repeated measures analysis variance. Results: Animals group showed severe weight loss, decreased drink mobility, increased level (P<0.05). Administration with different doses improved these symptoms (P<0.01). Conclusion: can reduce animal model CSDS through reducing secretion response stres