Implication of Adrenergic, Serotonergic and Antioxidant systems in the Antidepressant Activity of Hippophae Salicifolia D. Don

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders with high mortality, morbidity and economic burden worldwide. Herbal medicines are an important part of the culture and traditions and are widely accepted due to their low incidence of adverse effects. Hippophae salicifolia D. Don (HS) is widely used in northern Himalayan region as food, fuel, medicine, veterinary care, cosmetics, agricultural tools and bio-fencing. Berries of this plant have rich micronutrients with potent antioxidant potential. The present study is designed to study potential use of berries in mental depression. HS extract 250 and 500mg/kg and imipramine 25 mg/kg was administered to rats for 7 days. HS extract decreased the immobility time in Tail Suspension Test and Forced Swim Test on par with the standard drug Imipramine, without any significant change in spontaneous motor activity. HS increased the brain dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) levels and inhibited the activity of monamine oxidase (MAO-A) concomitantly, it also increased the brain glutathione levels (GSH) and decreased brain lipid peroxides (MDA). The results of the present study indicate that HS shows antidepressant activity in part by increasing the synthesis of NE and by inhibiting the metabolism of NE and 5HT and also by inhibiting lipid peroxidation due to potent antioxidant potential.