BACKGROUND The previous study showed that arylpiperazine can condition affinity to α-adrenoceptors, 5-HT1A/5-HT2A receptors and compounds with arylpiperazine had antidepressant-like effect. The aim of this study was to determine the antidepressant-like activity of new arylpiperazines containing novel 8-alkoxy-purine-2,6-dione fragments. METHODS New 3-chloroarylpiperazinylalkyl analogs of 8-al...

In the present study, antidepressant-like effects of piperine (PIP) and its derivative, antiepilepsirine (AES), were investigated in two depressive models: forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). To further explore the mechanisms underlying their antidepressant-like activities, the brain monoamine levels and monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) activities were also det...

Alpha (α)-asarone is one of the main psychoactive compounds, present in Acorus species. Evidence suggests that the α-asarone possess an antidepressant-like activity in mice. However, the exact dose-dependent effect of α-asarone and mechanism(s) involved in the antidepressant-like activity are not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the dose-dependent effect of α-asarone and the underl...

Methanol extract of dried leaves of Momordica charantia Linn ( Cucurbitaceae ) was investigated for anxiolytic, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activities in animal models. Anxiolytic activity of methanol extract of dried leaves of Momordica charantia Linn was tested by elevated plus maze test and the results showed a significant anxiolytic effect comparable, with diazepam in all the t...

Antidepressant activity of crocin, saffron main component, has been established before. Based on previous study, it is suggested that elevation in the levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), CREB (cAMP response element binding) and VGF neuropeptide could be considered as one probable molecular mechanisms involved in antidepressant activity of long term crocin administration in the r...

BACKGROUND Herbal therapies are potential alternatives and adjuncts for depression treatment. The present study aims to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of hydroalcoholic Hemerocallis citrina extracts and its potential neuropharmacological components. METHODS Hydroalcoholic H. citrina extracts were phytochemically analyzed. Behavioral models, including tail suspension tests and ope...

Unsatisfactory clinical efficacy and a variety of adverse effects of current antidepressant drugs have incited search for better therapy. Zinc, an antagonist of the glutamate/N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, exhibits antidepressant-like activity in rodent tests/models of depression. Similarly to antidepressants, zinc induces brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression and incr...

Increasing evidence indicates that stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis could provide novel avenues for the treatment of depression, and recent studies have shown that in vitro neurogenesis is enhanced by hypoxia. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential regulatory capacity of an intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH) regimen on hippocampal neurogenesis and its possible antidepressan...

methanol extract of dried leaves of momordica charantia linn ( cucurbitaceae ) was investigated for anxiolytic, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activities in animal models. anxiolytic activity of methanol extract of dried leaves of momordica charantia linn was tested by elevated plus maze test and the results showed a significant anxiolytic effect comparable, with diazepam in all the teste...

BACKGROUND Currently-available antidepressant agents produce various adverse effects, and are expensive. At present, various plants are being evaluated for their possible role against numerous diseases, and no doubt, the role of traditional and complementary medicines in the development of effective therapy is incredible. The present study was designed to evaluate antidepressant-like activity o...