"Antidepressant effects of Acorus calamus root extract in mice"
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: “evaluation of antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of roots of acorus calamus in albino mice”.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the aqueous extract of roots of Acorus calamus in albino mice. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and suicidal thoughts, which significantly impairs daily functioning. While various treatment modalities exist, including behavioral therapy and electroconvulsive therapy, pharmacotherapy remains the predominant approach. The investigation focused on two behavior despair models: the Forced Swimming Model (FSM) and the Tail Suspension Model (TSM), wherein the immobility of mice served as an indicator of depressive behavior.
Effectiveness of Aqueous Extract of Acorus Calamus
The study consisted of 72 albino mice divided into six groups, with varying doses of the aqueous extract administered alongside standard antidepressant drugs, imipramine and fluoxetine. In the FSM, the results showed a significant decrease in immobility time for all test and standard drug groups compared to the control group, indicating that Acorus calamus exhibits antidepressant-like effects. The test group receiving the lowest dose (100 mg/kg) recorded the most substantial reduction in immobility, suggesting a dose-dependent response to the extract.
Behavioral Response in the Tail Suspension Model
In the TSM, results varied from the FSM. Only the imipramine group and the highest dose group (200 mg/kg) of the Acorus calamus extract exhibited significant reductions in immobility time compared to the control group. The other doses of the extract and the fluoxetine group did not show statistically significant differences, indicating potential variability in response based on the model and the specific conditions under which the mice were tested. This underscores the complexity in predicting behavior in response to different antidepressant treatments.
Mechanism of Action and Phytochemical Properties
The potential antidepressant effects of Acorus calamus may be attributed to its phytochemical composition, which includes beneficial compounds such as phenols and flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties. These phytochemicals may help reduce oxidative stress and inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, both of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. This reinforces the notion that plant-based compounds could offer a complementary approach to existing pharmacotherapy in treating depressive disorders.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus possesses significant antidepressant activity as demonstrated in both behavior despair models. The results highlight the extract's potential as a therapeutic alternative or adjunct to conventional antidepressant medications, especially considering its lower incidence of adverse effects. Future studies are encouraged to investigate the broader implications of these findings and further elucidate the mechanisms behind the observed effects of Acorus calamus in managing depression.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Dr. Shashikala GH, Dr. Prashanth D, Dr. Jyothi CH, Dr. Imran Maniyar, Dr. Manjunath H
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: “evaluation of antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of roots of acorus calamus in albino mice”.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the objective of the study on Acorus calamus?
The study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus in albino mice using forced swimming and tail suspension models.
How many mice were used in the antidepressant activity study?
A total of 72 albino mice were used in the study, divided into six groups for testing different treatments.
What were the control and standard treatments in the study?
The control group received normal saline, while the standard treatments included Imipramine (15 mg/kg) and Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg).
What were the significant findings from the Forced Swimming Model?
The study found significant reductions in immobility time among all test and standard drug groups compared to the control group in the Forced Swimming Model.
Did Acorus calamus show effectiveness in both behavior models?
Yes, Acorus calamus demonstrated significant antidepressant activity in the Forced Swimming Model, but the results in the Tail Suspension Model were only significant at the highest dose.
What conclusion was drawn regarding Acorus calamus's antidepressant properties?
The research concluded that the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus exhibits significant antidepressant activity, indicating its potential use in treating depression.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “"Antidepressant effects of Acorus calamus root extract in mice"”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. In this study, drugs like imipramine and fluoxetine serve as standard comparisons to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus. Understanding drug efficacy and safety is vital for depression management.
2) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, is a plant used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study focuses on its aqueous extract to evaluate potential antidepressant effects. Investigation of such herbal remedies can provide alternatives to conventional treatments, highlighting their role in mental health.
3) Animal:
The study employed albino mice, which are commonly used as model organisms in biomedical research due to their genetic, biological, and behavioral similarities to humans. By assessing the antidepressant activity in these animals, researchers can draw parallels to human depression, facilitating understandings of drug effects and mechanisms.
4) Activity:
In the context of this study, activity refers to the biological effects of the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus on the behavior of mice in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Measurement of immobility times assesses antidepressant effects, linking pharmacological properties to behavioral outcomes.
5) Study (Studying):
The study is an experimental investigation aimed at elucidating the antidepressant potential of Acorus calamus. By employing established behavioral models, it aims to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding herbal remedies and their efficacy in treating depression, emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific research.
6) Depression:
Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It significantly impacts quality of life and functionality. Understanding its biological underpinnings and treatment options, such as herbal medicine, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and informing medical practices.
7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies drug action and their effects on biological systems. This study falls under pharmacological investigation as it examines the efficacy of the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus in treating depressive symptoms, offering insights into alternative treatment strategies.
8) Water:
Water is essential for many biological processes and serves as the solvent in which the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus is prepared. Maintaining proper hydration is also critical for animal welfare during experiments, impacting physiological responses. Its presence underscores the significance of proper experimental conditions.
9) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a state in India where the study was conducted at JJM Medical College, emphasizing the geographical context of the research. Local flora, such as Acorus calamus, may play a role in traditional medicine, highlighting the importance of regional studies in understanding local medicinal plants.
10) Table:
Tables in research papers present data in a structured format, allowing for straightforward comparison and analysis of results. In this study, tables summarize the outcomes of the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, facilitating clear communication of findings pertaining to antidepressant activity and drug efficacy.
11) Post:
In this context, 'post' refers to post hoc analyses conducted after determining significant results, such as Tukey’s test. These analyses are used to further explore differences among treatment groups, providing a deeper understanding of the data in terms of efficacy and comparative outcomes between drug effects.
12) Pharmacotherapy:
Pharmacotherapy is the use of medications to treat disease, particularly in the context of mental health disorders like depression. The study’s exploration of Acorus calamus as an alternative treatment expands the options available within pharmacotherapy, illustrating the ongoing search for effective and safer depressive disorder treatments.
13) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness, including the use of drugs and other interventions. The study of Acorus calamus as a prospective treatment underlines the importance of exploring alternative and complementary medicinal practices in managing mental health issues, particularly depression.
14) Mud:
Mood refers to a person's emotional state, which can be affected by various factors, including mental health disorders like depression. The study focuses on mood enhancement via the reduction of immobility times in behavioral tests, linking plant-derived treatments to potential improvements in emotional and psychological wellbeing.
15) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are compounds produced by plants that have various biological activities. In this study, phytochemicals in Acorus calamus may contribute to its antidepressant effects, highlighting the role of natural substances in mental health treatments and the significance of studying these compounds for therapeutic applications.
16) Sweet flag:
Sweet flag is the common name for Acorus calamus. This name reflects its aromatic properties and historical use in herbal medicine. The study's focus on this plant emphasizes its relevance in ethnobotany and potential roles in pharmacological research aimed at alleviating depressive symptoms.
17) Discussion:
Discussion sections in research papers interpret findings, place results in context, and explore implications. In this study, the discussion critically evaluates the antidepressant activity observed, linking it to phytochemical properties and existing literature, while also addressing potential limitations and suggesting avenues for future research.
18) Substance:
A substance refers to a particular kind of matter with uniform properties. In this research, the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus is the primary substance being tested for antidepressant activity, emphasizing the importance of chemical composition in determining pharmacological effects and therapeutic viability.
19) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals found in plants, known for their antioxidant properties. This study may consider flavonoids in Acorus calamus as potential contributors to observed antidepressant effects, underscoring the significance of these compounds in developing effective herbal medicines for mental health treatment.
20) Teaching:
Teaching refers to the imparting of knowledge and skills, often in an academic setting. In this study, the acknowledgment of teaching staff highlights the collaborative nature of research, emphasizing the role of educators in facilitating knowledge transfer and guiding students through scientific inquiry in pharmacology.
21) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to a condition where a female is carrying one or more developing embryos or fetuses. In the context of this study, pregnant mice were excluded to eliminate confounding factors related to reproductive status, ensuring that results pertain specifically to the effects of the test substances.
22) Rashmi (Rasmi):
Rashmi appears to be a name associated with one of the authors or colleagues acknowledged in the study. Mentioning her indicates recognition of individual contributions to research, reflecting the collaborative nature of scientific endeavors and the importance of teamwork in successful project development.
23) Misuse:
Misuse refers to inappropriate or harmful use of substances, which is particularly pertinent in discussions around antidepressants and psychotropic medications. Understanding misuse in the context of depression treatment is vital to ensuring safe prescribing practices and developing educational initiatives for patients and healthcare providers.
24) India:
India is the country where the research was conducted, emphasizing the regional context of the study and the relevance of indigenous flora, such as Acorus calamus. Understanding local medicinal practices and plants can enrich global health perspectives and foster innovative approaches to mental health treatment.
25) Food:
Food is any substance consumed for nutritional support. The well-being of laboratory animals, such as the albino mice in this study, is crucial, necessitating access to proper nutrition and hydration to ensure accurate and reliable data, thus underscoring the ethical considerations in animal research.
26) Flag:
In this context, 'flag' is part of the common name 'sweet flag,' which describes Acorus calamus. The name reflects its geographical and cultural significance. Understanding nomenclature in botanical contexts aids in the recognition of plants within ethnopharmacology and promotes awareness of their traditional uses.